Systems, devices and methods related to diversity receivers

ABSTRACT

Systems, devices and methods related to diversity receivers. In some embodiments, a receiving system can include a controller configured to selectively activate one or more of a plurality of paths between an input and an output, and a plurality of amplifiers, with each one of the plurality of amplifiers disposed along a corresponding one of the plurality of paths and configured to amplify a signal received at the amplifier. The receiving system can further include two or more of features including (a) variable-gain amplifiers, (b) phase-shifting components, (c) impedance matching components, (d) post-amplifier filters, (e) a switching network, and (f) flexible band routing. In some embodiments, such a receiving system can be implemented as a diversity receive (DRx) module.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.14/727,739 filed Jun. 1, 2015 entitled DIVERSITY FRONT END SYSTEM WITHVARIABLE-GAIN AMPLIFIERS, which claims priority to and the benefit ofthe filing date of each of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/073,043filed Oct. 31, 2014 entitled DIVERSITY RECEIVER FRONT END SYSTEM, thedisclosures of which are hereby expressly incorporated by referenceherein in their entirety.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.14/734,759 filed Jun. 9, 2015 entitled DIVERSITY RECEIVER FRONT ENDSYSTEM WITH PHASE-SHIFTING COMPONENTS, which claims priority to and thebenefit of the filing date of each of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/073,043 filed Oct. 31, 2014 entitled DIVERSITY RECEIVER FRONT ENDSYSTEM, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/073,040 filed Oct. 31, 2014entitled CARRIER AGGREGATION USING POST-LNA PHASE MATCHING, and U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/073,039 filed Oct. 31, 2014 entitledPRE-LNA OUT OF BAND IMPEDANCE MATCHING FOR CARRIER AGGREGATIONOPERATION, the disclosures of which are hereby expressly incorporated byreference herein in their entirety.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.14/734,775 filed Jun. 9, 2015 entitled DIVERSITY RECEIVER FRONT ENDSYSTEM WITH IMPEDANCE MATCHING COMPONENTS, which claims priority to andthe benefit of the filing date of each of U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 62/073,043 filed Oct. 31, 2014 entitled DIVERSITY RECEIVER FRONT ENDSYSTEM, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/073,040 filed Oct. 31, 2014entitled CARRIER AGGREGATION USING POST-LNA PHASE MATCHING, and U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/073,039 filed Oct. 31, 2014 entitledPRE-LNA OUT OF BAND IMPEDANCE MATCHING FOR CARRIER AGGREGATIONOPERATION, the disclosures of which are hereby expressly incorporated byreference herein in their entirety.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.14/735,482 filed Jun. 10, 2015 entitled DIVERSITY RECEIVER FRONT ENDSYSTEM WITH POST-AMPLIFIER FILTERS, which claims priority to and thebenefit of the filing date of each of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/073,043 filed Oct. 31, 2014 entitled DIVERSITY RECEIVER FRONT ENDSYSTEM, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/077,894 filed Nov. 10,2014 entitled DIVERSITY RECEIVER ARCHITECTURE HAVING PRE AND POST LNAFILTERS FOR SUPPORTING CARRIER AGGREGATION, the disclosures of which arehereby expressly incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.14/734,746 filed Jun. 9, 2015 entitled DIVERSITY RECEIVER FRONT ENDSYSTEM WITH SWITCHING NETWORK, which claims priority to and the benefitof the filing date of each of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/073,043 filed Oct. 31, 2014 entitled DIVERSITY RECEIVER FRONT ENDSYSTEM, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/073,041 filed Oct. 31,2014 entitled ADAPTIVE MULTIBAND LNA FOR CARRIER AGGREGATION, thedisclosures of which are hereby expressly incorporated by referenceherein in their entirety.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.14/836,575 filed Aug. 26, 2015 entitled DIVERSITY RECEIVER FRONT ENDSYSTEM WITH FLEXIBLE ROUTING, which claims priority to and the benefitof the filing date of each of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/073,043 filed Oct. 31, 2014 entitled DIVERSITY RECEIVER FRONT ENDSYSTEM, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/073,042 filed Oct. 31,2014 entitled FLEXIBLE MULTI-BAND MULTI-ANTENNA RECEIVER MODULE, thedisclosures of which are hereby expressly incorporated by referenceherein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Field

The present disclosure generally relates to wireless communicationsystems having one or more diversity receiving antennas.

Description of the Related Art

In wireless communication applications, size, cost, and performance areexamples of factors that can be important for a given product. Forexample, to increase performance, wireless components such as adiversity receive antenna and associated circuitry are becoming morepopular.

In many radio-frequency (RF) applications, a diversity receive antennais placed physically far from a primary antenna. When both antennas areused at once, a transceiver can process signals from both antennas inorder to increase data throughput.

SUMMARY

In accordance with some implementations, the present disclosure relatesto a radio-frequency (RF) receiving system that includes a controllerconfigured to selectively activate one or more of a plurality of pathsbetween an input of the receiving system and an output of the receivingsystem. The RF receiving system further includes a plurality ofamplifiers, with each one of the plurality of amplifiers being disposedalong a corresponding one of the plurality of paths and configured toamplify a signal received at the amplifier. The RF receiving systemfurther includes two or more of a first feature, a second feature, athird feature, a fourth feature, a fifth feature, and a sixth feature,implemented for the RF receiving system.

The first feature includes a plurality of bandpass filters, with eachone of the plurality of bandpass filters being disposed along acorresponding one of the plurality of paths and configured to filter asignal received at the bandpass filter to a respective frequency band.At least some of the plurality of amplifiers are implemented as aplurality of variable-gain amplifiers (VGAs), with each one of theplurality of VGAs being configured to amplify the corresponding signalwith a gain controlled by an amplifier control signal received from thecontroller.

The second feature includes a plurality of phase-shift components, witheach one of the plurality of phase-shift components being disposed alonga corresponding one of the plurality of paths and configured tophase-shift a signal passing through the phase-shift component.

The third feature includes a plurality of impedance matching components,with each one of the plurality of impedance matching components beingdisposed along a corresponding one of the plurality of paths andconfigured to reduce at least one of an out-of-band noise figure or anout-of-band gain of the one of the plurality of paths.

The fourth feature includes a plurality of post-amplifier bandpassfilters, with each one of the plurality of post-amplifier bandpassfilters being disposed along a corresponding one of the plurality ofpaths at an output of a corresponding one of the plurality of amplifiersand configured to filter a signal to a respective frequency band.

The fifth feature includes a switching network having one or moresingle-pole/single-throw switches, with each one of the switchescoupling two of the plurality of paths. The switching network isconfigured to be controlled by the controller based on a band selectsignal.

The sixth feature includes an input multiplexer configured to receiveone or more RF signals at one or more input multiplexer inputs and tooutput each of the one or more RF signals to one or more of a pluralityof input multiplexer outputs to propagate along a respective one or moreof the plurality of paths, and an output multiplexer configured toreceive one or more amplified RF signals propagating along therespective one or more of the plurality of paths at one or morerespective output multiplexer inputs and to output each of the one ormore amplified RF signals to a selected one of a plurality of outputmultiplexer outputs.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the firstfeature and the second feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the firstfeature and the third feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the firstfeature and the fourth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the secondfeature and the third feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the secondfeature and the fourth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the thirdfeature and the fourth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the firstfeature, the second feature and the third feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the firstfeature, the second feature and the fourth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the firstfeature, the third feature and the fourth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the secondfeature, the third feature and the fourth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the firstfeature, the second feature, the third feature and the fourth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the firstfeature, the second feature and the fifth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the firstfeature, the third feature and the fifth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the firstfeature, the fourth feature and the fifth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the secondfeature, the third feature and the fifth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the the secondfeature, the fourth feature and the fifth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the thirdfeature, the fourth feature and the fifth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the firstfeature, the second feature, the third feature and the fifth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the firstfeature, the second feature, the fourth feature and the fifth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the firstfeature, the third feature, the fourth feature and the fifth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the secondfeature, the third feature, the fourth feature and the fifth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the firstfeature, the second feature, the third feature, the fourth feature andthe fifth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the firstfeature, the second feature and the sixth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the firstfeature, the third feature and the sixth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the firstfeature, the fourth feature and the sixth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the secondfeature, the third feature and the sixth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the secondfeature, the fourth feature and the sixth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the thirdfeature, the fourth feature and the sixth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the firstfeature, the second feature, the third feature and the sixth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the firstfeature, the second feature, the fourth feature and the sixth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the firstfeature, the third feature, the fourth feature and the sixth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the secondfeature, the third feature, the fourth feature and the sixth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the firstfeature, the second feature, the third feature, the fourth feature andthe sixth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the firstfeature, the second feature, the fifth feature and the sixth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the firstfeature, the third feature, the fifth feature and the sixth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the firstfeature, the fourth feature, the fifth feature and the sixth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the secondfeature, the third feature, the fifth feature and the sixth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the secondfeature, the fourth feature, the fifth feature and the sixth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the thirdfeature, the fourth feature, the fifth feature and the sixth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the firstfeature, the second feature, the third feature, the fifth feature andthe sixth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the firstfeature, the second feature, the fourth feature, the fifth feature andthe sixth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the firstfeature, the third feature, the fourth feature, the fifth feature andthe sixth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the secondfeature, the third feature, the fourth feature, the fifth feature andthe sixth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the firstfeature, the second feature, the third feature, the fourth feature, thefifth feature and the sixth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the firstfeature and the fifth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the secondfeature and the fifth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the thirdfeature and the fifth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the fourthfeature and the fifth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the firstfeature and the sixth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the secondfeature and the sixth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the thirdfeature and the sixth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the fourthfeature and the sixth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the fifthfeature and the sixth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the firstfeature, the fifth feature and the sixth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the secondfeature, the fifth feature and the sixth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the thirdfeature, the fifth feature and the sixth feature.

In some embodiments, the RF receiving system can include the fourthfeature, the fifth feature and the sixth feature.

In a number of implementations, the present disclosure relates to aradio-frequency (RF) module that includes a packaging substrateconfigured to receive a plurality of components, and a receiving systemimplemented on the packaging substrate. The receiving system includes acontroller configured to selectively activate one or more of a pluralityof paths between an input of the receiving system and an output of thereceiving system, and a plurality of amplifiers, with each one of theplurality of amplifiers being disposed along a corresponding one of theplurality of paths and configured to amplify a signal received at theamplifier. The receiving system further includes two or more of a firstfeature, a second feature, a third feature, a fourth feature, a fifthfeature, and a sixth feature, implemented for the RF receiving system.

The first feature includes a plurality of bandpass filters, with eachone of the plurality of bandpass filters being disposed along acorresponding one of the plurality of paths and configured to filter asignal received at the bandpass filter to a respective frequency band.At least some of the plurality of amplifiers are implemented as aplurality of variable-gain amplifiers (VGAs), with each one of theplurality of VGAs being configured to amplify the corresponding signalwith a gain controlled by an amplifier control signal received from thecontroller.

The second feature includes a plurality of phase-shift components, witheach one of the plurality of phase-shift components being disposed alonga corresponding one of the plurality of paths and configured tophase-shift a signal passing through the phase-shift component.

The third feature includes a plurality of impedance matching components,with each one of the plurality of impedance matching components beingdisposed along a corresponding one of the plurality of paths andconfigured to reduce at least one of an out-of-band noise figure or anout-of-band gain of the one of the plurality of paths.

The fourth feature includes a plurality of post-amplifier bandpassfilters, with each one of the plurality of post-amplifier bandpassfilters being disposed along a corresponding one of the plurality ofpaths at an output of a corresponding one of the plurality of amplifiersand configured to filter a signal to a respective frequency band.

The fifth feature includes a switching network having one or moresingle-pole/single-throw switches, with each one of the switchescoupling two of the plurality of paths. The switching network isconfigured to be controlled by the controller based on a band selectsignal.

The sixth feature includes an input multiplexer configured to receiveone or more RF signals at one or more input multiplexer inputs and tooutput each of the one or more RF signals to one or more of a pluralityof input multiplexer outputs to propagate along a respective one or moreof the plurality of paths, and an output multiplexer configured toreceive one or more amplified RF signals propagating along therespective one or more of the plurality of paths at one or morerespective output multiplexer inputs and to output each of the one ormore amplified RF signals to a selected one of a plurality of outputmultiplexer outputs.

In some embodiments, the RF module can be a diversity receiver front-endmodule (FEM).

In some teachings, the present disclosure relates to a wireless devicethat includes a first antenna configured to receive one or moreradio-frequency (RF) signals, and a first front-end module (FEM) incommunication with the first antenna. The first FEM includes a packagingsubstrate configured to receive a plurality of components. The first FEMfurther includes a receiving system implemented on the packagingsubstrate. The receiving system includes a controller configured toselectively activate one or more of a plurality of paths between aninput of the receiving system and an output of the receiving system, anda plurality of amplifiers, with each one of the plurality of amplifiersbeing disposed along a corresponding one of the plurality of paths andconfigured to amplify a signal received at the amplifier. The receivingsystem further includes two or more of a first feature, a secondfeature, a third feature, a fourth feature, a fifth feature, and a sixthfeature, implemented for the RF receiving system. The wireless devicefurther includes a transceiver configured to receive a processed versionof the one or more RF signals from the receiving system and generatedata bits based on the processed version of the one or more RF signals.

The first feature includes a plurality of bandpass filters, with eachone of the plurality of bandpass filters being disposed along acorresponding one of the plurality of paths and configured to filter asignal received at the bandpass filter to a respective frequency band.At least some of the plurality of amplifiers are implemented as aplurality of variable-gain amplifiers (VGAs), with each one of theplurality of VGAs being configured to amplify the corresponding signalwith a gain controlled by an amplifier control signal received from thecontroller.

The second feature includes a plurality of phase-shift components, witheach one of the plurality of phase-shift components being disposed alonga corresponding one of the plurality of paths and configured tophase-shift a signal passing through the phase-shift component.

The third feature includes a plurality of impedance matching components,with each one of the plurality of impedance matching components beingdisposed along a corresponding one of the plurality of paths andconfigured to reduce at least one of an out-of-band noise figure or anout-of-band gain of the one of the plurality of paths.

The fourth feature includes a plurality of post-amplifier bandpassfilters, with each one of the plurality of post-amplifier bandpassfilters being disposed along a corresponding one of the plurality ofpaths at an output of a corresponding one of the plurality of amplifiersand configured to filter a signal to a respective frequency band.

The fifth feature includes a switching network having one or moresingle-pole/single-throw switches, with each one of the switchescoupling two of the plurality of paths. The switching network isconfigured to be controlled by the controller based on a band selectsignal.

The sixth feature includes an input multiplexer configured to receiveone or more RF signals at one or more input multiplexer inputs and tooutput each of the one or more RF signals to one or more of a pluralityof input multiplexer outputs to propagate along a respective one or moreof the plurality of paths, and an output multiplexer configured toreceive one or more amplified RF signals propagating along therespective one or more of the plurality of paths at one or morerespective output multiplexer inputs and to output each of the one ormore amplified RF signals to a selected one of a plurality of outputmultiplexer outputs.

In some embodiments, the wireless device can be a cellular phone.

For purposes of summarizing the disclosure, certain aspects, advantagesand novel features of the inventions have been described herein. It isto be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may beachieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention.Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner thatachieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taughtherein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taughtor suggested herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a wireless device having a communications module coupled toa primary antenna and a diversity antenna.

FIG. 2 shows a diversity receiver (DRx) configuration including a DRxfront-end module (FEM).

FIG. 3 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiver (DRx)configuration may include a DRx module with multiple paths correspondingto multiple frequency bands.

FIG. 4 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include a diversity RF module with fewer amplifiersthan a diversity receiver (DRx) module.

FIG. 5 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include a DRx module coupled to an off-module filter.

FIG. 6 shows that in some embodiments, gain of a variable-gain amplifiermay be bypassable.

FIG. 7 shows that in some embodiments, gain of a variable-gain amplifiermay be step-variable or continuously-variable.

FIG. 8 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include a DRx module with tunable matching circuits.

FIG. 9 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include multiple antennas.

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of a flowchart representation of a method ofprocessing an RF signal.

FIG. 11 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include a DRx module with one or more phase matchingcomponents.

FIG. 12 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include a DRx module with one or more phase matchingcomponents and dual-stage amplifiers.

FIG. 13 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include a DRx module with one or more phase matchingcomponents and a post-combiner amplifier.

FIG. 14 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include a DRx module with tunable phase-shiftcomponents.

FIG. 15 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include a DRx module with one or more impedancematching components.

FIG. 16 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include a DRx module with tunable impedance matchingcomponents.

FIG. 17 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include a DRx module with tunable impedance matchingcomponents disposed at the input and output.

FIG. 18 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include a DRx module with multiple tunable components.

FIG. 19 shows an embodiment of a flowchart representation of a method ofprocessing an RF signal.

FIG. 20 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include a diversity receiver (DRx) module having aplurality of bandpass filters disposed at the outputs of a plurality ofamplifiers.

FIG. 21 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include a diversity RF module with fewer amplifiersthan a diversity receiver (DRx) module.

FIG. 22 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include a DRx module coupled to an off-module filter.

FIG. 23 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include a DRx module with tunable matching circuits.

FIG. 24 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include a DRx module with a single-pole/single-throwswitch.

FIG. 25 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include a DRx module with tunable phase-shiftcomponents.

FIG. 26 shows an embodiment of a flowchart representation of a method ofprocessing an RF signal.

FIG. 27 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include a DRx module with tunable matching circuits.

FIG. 28 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include multiple transmission lines.

FIG. 29 shows an embodiment of an output multiplexer that may be usedfor dynamic routing.

FIG. 30 shows another embodiment of an output multiplexer that may beused for dynamic routing.

FIG. 31 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include multiple antennas.

FIG. 32 shows an embodiment of an input multiplexer that may be used fordynamic routing.

FIG. 33 shows another embodiment of an input multiplexer that may beused for dynamic routing.

FIGS. 34-39 show various implementations of a DRx module with dynamicinput routing and/or output routing.

FIG. 40 shows an embodiment of a flowchart representation of a method ofprocessing an RF signal.

FIGS. 41A and 41B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein and one or more features of Example B as described herein.

FIGS. 42A and 42B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein and one or more features of Example C as described herein.

FIGS. 43A and 43B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein and one or more features of Example D as described herein.

FIGS. 44A and 44B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example B as describedherein and one or more features of Example C as described herein.

FIGS. 45A and 45B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example B as describedherein and one or more features of Example D as described herein.

FIGS. 46A and 46B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example C as describedherein and one or more features of Example D as described herein.

FIGS. 47A and 47B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example B as described herein, and oneor more features of Example C as described herein.

FIGS. 48A and 48B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example B as described herein, and oneor more features of Example D as described herein.

FIGS. 49A and 49B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example C as described herein, and oneor more features of Example D as described herein.

FIGS. 50A and 50B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example B as describedherein, one or more features of Example C as described herein, and oneor more features of Example D as described herein.

FIGS. 51A and 51B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example B as described herein, one ormore features of Example C as described herein, and one or more featuresof Example D as described herein.

FIGS. 52A and 52B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example B as described herein, and oneor more features of Example E as described herein.

FIGS. 53A and 53B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example C as described herein, and oneor more features of Example E as described herein.

FIGS. 54A and 54B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example D as described herein, and oneor more features of Example E as described herein.

FIGS. 55A and 55B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example B as describedherein, one or more features of Example C as described herein, and oneor more features of Example E as described herein.

FIGS. 56A and 56B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example B as describedherein, one or more features of Example D as described herein, and oneor more features of Example E as described herein.

FIGS. 57A and 57B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example C as describedherein, one or more features of Example D as described herein, and oneor more features of Example E as described herein.

FIGS. 58A and 58B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example B as described herein, one ormore features of Example C as described herein, and one or more featuresof Example E as described herein.

FIGS. 59A and 59B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example B as described herein, one ormore features of Example D as described herein, and one or more featuresof Example E as described herein.

FIGS. 60A and 60B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example C as described herein, one ormore features of Example D as described herein, and one or more featuresof Example E as described herein.

FIGS. 61A and 61B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example B as describedherein, one or more features of Example C as described herein, one ormore features of Example D as described herein, and one or more featuresof Example E as described herein.

FIGS. 62A and 62B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example B as described herein, one ormore features of Example C as described herein, one or more features ofExample D as described herein, and one or more features of Example E asdescribed herein.

FIG. 63 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example B as described herein, and oneor more features of Example F as described herein.

FIG. 64 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example C as described herein, and oneor more features of Example F as described herein.

FIG. 65 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example D as described herein, and oneor more features of Example F as described herein.

FIG. 66 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example B as describedherein, one or more features of Example C as described herein, and oneor more features of Example F as described herein.

FIG. 67 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example B as describedherein, one or more features of Example D as described herein, and oneor more features of Example F as described herein.

FIG. 68 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example C as describedherein, one or more features of Example D as described herein, and oneor more features of Example F as described herein.

FIG. 69 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example B as described herein, one ormore features of Example C as described herein, and one or more featuresof Example F as described herein.

FIG. 70 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example B as described herein, one ormore features of Example D as described herein, and one or more featuresof Example F as described herein.

FIG. 71 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example C as described herein, one ormore features of Example D as described herein, and one or more featuresof Example F as described herein.

FIG. 72 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example B as describedherein, one or more features of Example C as described herein, one ormore features of Example D as described herein, and one or more featuresof Example F as described herein.

FIG. 73 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example B as described herein, one ormore features of Example C as described herein, one or more features ofExample D as described herein, and one or more features of Example F asdescribed herein.

FIG. 74 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example B as described herein, one ormore features of Example E as described herein, and one or more featuresof Example F as described herein.

FIG. 75 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example C as described herein, one ormore features of Example E as described herein, and one or more featuresof Example F as described herein.

FIG. 76 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example D as described herein, one ormore features of Example E as described herein, and one or more featuresof Example F as described herein.

FIG. 77 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example B as describedherein, one or more features of Example C as described herein, one ormore features of Example E as described herein, and one or more featuresof Example F as described herein.

FIG. 78 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example B as describedherein, one or more features of Example D as described herein, one ormore features of Example E as described herein, and one or more featuresof Example F as described herein.

FIG. 79 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example C as describedherein, one or more features of Example D as described herein, one ormore features of Example E as described herein, and one or more featuresof Example F as described herein.

FIG. 80 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example B as described herein, one ormore features of Example C as described herein, one or more features ofExample E as described herein, and one or more features of Example F asdescribed herein.

FIG. 81 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example B as described herein, one ormore features of Example D as described herein, one or more features ofExample E as described herein, and one or more features of Example F asdescribed herein.

FIG. 82 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example C as described herein, one ormore features of Example D as described herein, one or more features ofExample E as described herein, and one or more features of Example F asdescribed herein.

FIG. 83 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example B as describedherein, one or more features of Example C as described herein, one ormore features of Example D as described herein, one or more features ofExample E as described herein, and one or more features of Example F asdescribed herein.

FIG. 84 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example B as described herein, one ormore features of Example C as described herein, one or more features ofExample D as described herein, one or more features of Example E asdescribed herein, and one or more features of Example F as describedherein.

FIGS. 85A and 85B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein and one or more features of Example E as described herein.

FIGS. 86A and 86B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example B as describedherein and one or more features of Example E as described herein.

FIGS. 87A and 87B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example C as describedherein and one or more features of Example E as described herein.

FIGS. 88A and 88B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example D as describedherein and one or more features of Example E as described herein.

FIG. 89 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein and one or more features of Example F as described herein.

FIG. 90 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example B as describedherein and one or more features of Example F as described herein.

FIG. 91 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example C as describedherein and one or more features of Example F as described herein.

FIG. 92 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example D as describedherein and one or more features of Example F as described herein.

FIG. 93 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example E as describedherein and one or more features of Example F as described herein.

FIG. 94 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example E as described herein, and oneor more features of Example F as described herein.

FIG. 95 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example B as describedherein, one or more features of Example E as described herein, and oneor more features of Example F as described herein.

FIG. 96 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example C as describedherein, one or more features of Example E as described herein, and oneor more features of Example F as described herein.

FIG. 97 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example D as describedherein, one or more features of Example E as described herein, and oneor more features of Example F as described herein.

FIG. 98 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration having one or more features as described herein may beimplemented in a module such as a diversity receive (DRx) module.

FIG. 99 shows a diversity receiver architecture having one or morefeatures as described herein.

FIG. 100 shows a wireless device having one or more features asdescribed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

The headings provided herein, if any, are for convenience only and donot necessarily affect the scope or meaning of the claimed invention.

Introduction

FIG. 1 shows a wireless device 100 having a communications module 110coupled to a primary antenna 130 and a diversity antenna 140. Thecommunications module 110 (and its constituent components) may becontrolled by a controller 120. The communications module 110 includes atransceiver 112 that is configured to convert between analogradio-frequency (RF) signals and digital data signals. To that end, thetransceiver 112 may include a digital-to-analog converter, ananalog-to-digital converter, a local oscillator for modulating ordemodulating a baseband analog signal to or from a carrier frequency, abaseband processor that converts between digital samples and data bits(e.g., voice or other types of data), or other components.

The communications module 110 further includes an RF module 114 coupledbetween the primary antenna 130 and the transceiver 112. Because the RFmodule 114 may be physically close to the primary antenna 130 to reduceattenuation due to cable loss, the RF module 114 may be referred to asfront-end module (FEM). The RF module 114 may perform processing on ananalog signal received from the primary antenna 130 for the transceiver112 or received from transceiver 112 for transmission via the primaryantenna 130. To that end, the RF module 114 may include filters, poweramplifiers, band select switches, matching circuits, and othercomponents. Similarly, the communications module 110 includes adiversity RF module 116 coupled between the diversity antenna 140 andthe transceiver 112 that performs similar processing.

When a signal is transmitted to the wireless device, the signal may bereceived at both the primary antenna 130 and the diversity antenna 140.The primary antenna 130 and diversity antenna 140 may be physicallyspaced apart such that the signal at the primary antenna 130 anddiversity antenna 140 is received with different characteristics. Forexample, in one embodiment, the primary antenna 130 and diversityantenna 140 may receive the signal with different attenuation, noise,frequency response, or phase shift. The transceiver 112 may use both ofthe signals with different characteristics to determine data bitscorresponding to the signal. In some implementations, the transceiver112 selects from between the primary antenna 130 and the diversityantenna 140 based on the characteristics, such as selecting the antennawith the highest signal-to-noise ratio. In some implementations, thetransceiver 112 combines the signals from the primary antenna 130 andthe diversity antenna 140 to increase the signal-to-noise ratio of thecombined signal. In some implementations, the transceiver 112 processesthe signals to perform multiple-input/multiple-output (MIMO)communication.

Because the diversity antenna 140 is physically spaced apart from theprimary antenna 130, the diversity antenna 140 is coupled to thecommunications module 110 by a transmission line 135, such as a cable ora printed circuit board (PCB) trace. In some implementations, thetransmission line 135 is lossy and attenuates the signal received at thediversity antenna 140 before it reaches the communications module 110.Thus, in some implementations, as described below, gain is applied tothe signal received at the diversity antenna 140. The gain (and otheranalog processing, such as filtering) may be applied by a diversityreceiver module. Because such a diversity receiver module may be locatedphysically close to the diversity antenna 140, it may be referred to adiversity receiver front-end module.

FIG. 2 shows a diversity receiver (DRx) configuration 200 including aDRx front-end module (FEM) 210. The DRx configuration 200 includes adiversity antenna 140 that is configured to receive a diversity signaland provide the diversity signal to the DRx FEM 210. The DRx FEM 210 isconfigured to perform processing on the diversity signal received fromthe diversity antenna 140. For example, the DRx FEM 210 may beconfigured to filter the diversity signal to one or more activefrequency bands, e.g., as indicated by the controller 120. As anotherexample, the DRx FEM 210 may be configured to amplify the diversitysignal. To that end, the DRx FEM 210 may include filters, low-noiseamplifiers, band select switches, matching circuits, and othercomponents.

The DRx FEM 210 transmits the processed diversity signal via atransmission line 135 to a downstream module, such as the diversity RF(D-RF) module 116, which feeds a further processed diversity signal tothe transceiver 112. The diversity RF module 116 (and, in someimplementations, the transceiver), is controlled by the controller 120.In some implementations, the controller 120 may be implemented withinthe transceiver 112.

FIG. 3 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiver (DRx)configuration 300 may include a DRx module 310 with multiple pathscorresponding to multiple frequency bands. The DRx configuration 300includes a diversity antenna 140 configured to receive a diversitysignal. In some implementations, the diversity signal may be asingle-band signal including data modulated onto a single frequencyband. In some implementations, the diversity signal may be a multi-bandsignal (also referred to as an inter-band carrier aggregation signal)including data modulated onto multiple frequency bands.

The DRx module 310 has an input that receives the diversity signal fromthe diversity antenna 140 and an output that provides a processeddiversity signal to the transceiver 330 (via the transmission line 135and the diversity RF module 320). The DRx module 310 input feeds into aninput of first multiplexer (MUX) 311. The first multiplexer 311 includesa plurality of multiplexer outputs, each corresponding to a path betweenthe input and the output of the DRx module 310. Each of the paths maycorrespond to a respective frequency band. The DRx module 310 output isprovided by the output of second multiplexer 312. The second multiplexer312 includes a plurality of multiplexer inputs, each corresponding toone of the paths between the input and the output of the DRx module 310.

The frequency bands may be cellular frequency bands, such as UMTS(Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) frequency bands. Forexample, a first frequency band may be UMTS downlink or “Rx” Band 2,between 1930 megahertz (MHZ) and 1990 MHz, and a second frequency bandmay be UMTS downlink or “Rx” Band 5, between 869 MHz and 894 MHz. Otherdownlink frequency bands may be used, such as those described below inTable 1 or other non-UMTS frequency bands.

In some implementations, the DRx module 310 includes a DRx controller302 that receives signals from the controller 120 (also referred to as acommunications controller) and, based on the received signals,selectively activates one or more of the plurality of paths between theinput and the output. In some implementations, the DRx module 310 doesnot include a DRx controller 302 and the controller 120 selectivelyactivates the one or more of the plurality of paths directly.

As noted herein, in some implementations, the diversity signal is asingle-band signal. Thus, in some implementations, the first multiplexer311 is a single-pole/multiple-throw (SPMT) switch that routes thediversity signal to one of the plurality of paths corresponding to thefrequency band of the single-band signal based on a signal received fromthe DRx controller 302. The DRx controller 302 may generate the signalbased on a band select signal received by the DRx controller 302 fromthe communications controller 120. Similarly, in some implementations,the second multiplexer 312 is a SPMT switch that routes the signal fromthe one of the plurality of paths corresponding to the frequency band ofthe single-band signal based on a signal received from the DRxcontroller 302.

As noted herein, in some implementations, the diversity signal is amulti-band signal. Thus, in some implementations, the first multiplexer311 is a signal splitter that routes the diversity signal to two or moreof the plurality of paths corresponding to the two or more frequencybands of the multi-band signal based on a splitter control signalreceived from the DRx controller 302. The function of the signalsplitter may be implemented as a SPMT switch, a diplexer filter, or somecombination of these. Similarly, in some implementations, the secondmultiplexer 312 is a signal combiner that combines the signals from thetwo or more of the plurality of paths corresponding to the two or morefrequency bands of the multi-band signal based on a combiner controlsignal received from the DRx controller 302. The function of the signalcombiner may be implemented as a SPMT switch, a diplexer filter, or somecombination of these. The DRx controller 302 may generate the splittercontrol signal and the combiner control signal based on a band selectsignal received by the DRx controller 302 from the communicationscontroller 120.

Thus, in some implementations, the DRx controller 302 is configured toselectively activate one or more of the plurality of paths based on aband select signal received by the DRx controller 302 (e.g., from thecommunications controller 120). In some implementations, the DRxcontroller 302 is configured to selectively activate one or more of theplurality of paths by transmitting a splitter control signal to a signalsplitter and a combiner control signal to a signal combiner.

The DRx module 310 includes a plurality of bandpass filters 313 a-313 d.Each one of the bandpass filters 313 a-313 d is disposed along acorresponding one of the plurality of paths and configured to filter asignal received at the bandpass filter to the respective frequency bandof the one of the plurality of paths. In some implementations, thebandpass filters 313 a-313 d are further configured to filter a signalreceived at the bandpass filter to a downlink frequency sub-band of therespective frequency band of the one of the plurality of paths. The DRxmodule 310 includes a plurality of amplifiers 314 a-314 d. Each one ofthe amplifiers 314 a-314 d is disposed along a corresponding one of theplurality of paths and configured to amplify a signal received at theamplifier.

In some implementations, the amplifiers 314 a-314 d are narrowbandamplifiers configured to amplify a signal within the respectivefrequency band of the path in which the amplifier is disposed. In someimplementations, the amplifiers 314 a-314 d are controllable by the DRxcontroller 302. For example, in some implementations, each of theamplifiers 314 a-314 d includes an enable/disable input and is enabled(or disabled) based on an amplifier enable signal received and theenable/disable input. The amplifier enable signal may be transmitted bythe DRx controller 302. Thus, in some implementations, the DRxcontroller 302 is configured to selectively activate one or more of theplurality of paths by transmitting an amplifier enable signal to one ormore of the amplifiers 314 a-314 d respectively disposed along the oneor more of the plurality of paths. In such implementations, rather thanbeing controlled by the DRx controller 302, the first multiplexer 311may be a signal splitter that routes the diversity signal to each of theplurality of paths and the second multiplexer 312 may be a signalcombiner that combines the signals from each of the plurality of paths.However, in implementations in which the DRx controller 302 controls thefirst multiplexer 311 and second multiplexer 312, the DRX controller 302may also enable (or disable) particular amplifiers 314 a-314 d, e.g., tosave battery.

In some implementations, the amplifiers 314 a-314 d are variable-gainamplifiers (VGAs). Thus, the some implementations, the DRx module 310includes a plurality of variable-gain amplifiers (VGAs), each one of theVGAs disposed along a corresponding one of the plurality of paths andconfigured to amplify a signal received at the VGA with a gaincontrolled by an amplifier control signal received from the DRxcontroller 302.

The gain of a VGA may be bypassable, step-variable,continuously-variable. In some implementations, at least one of the VGAsincludes a fixed-gain amplifier and a bypass switch controllable by theamplifier control signal. The bypass switch may (in a first position)close a line between an input of the fixed-gain amplifier to an outputof fixed-gain amplifier, allowing a signal to bypass the fixed-gainamplifier. The bypass switch may (in a second position) open the linebetween the input and the output, passing a signal through thefixed-gain amplifier. In some implementations, when the bypass switch isin the first position, the fixed-gain amplifier is disabled or otherwisereconfigured to accommodate the bypass mode.

In some implementations, at least one of the VGAs includes astep-variable gain amplifier configured to amplify the signal receivedat the VGA with a gain of one of plurality of configured amountsindicated by the amplifier control signal. In some implementations, atleast one of the VGAs includes a continuously-variable gain amplifierconfigured to amplify a signal received at the VGA with a gainproportional to the amplifier control signal.

In some implementations, the amplifiers 314 a-314 d are variable-currentamplifiers (VCAs). The current drawn by a VCA may be bypassable,step-variable, continuously-variable. In some implementations, at leastone of the VCAs includes a fixed-current amplifier and a bypass switchcontrollable by the amplifier control signal. The bypass switch may (ina first position) close a line between an input of the fixed-currentamplifier to an output of fixed-current amplifier, allowing a signal tobypass the fixed-current amplifier. The bypass switch may (in a secondposition) open the line between the input and the output, passing asignal through the fixed-current amplifier. In some implementations,when the bypass switch is in the first position, the fixed-currentamplifier is disabled or otherwise reconfigured to accommodate thebypass mode.

In some implementations, at least one of the VCAs includes astep-variable current amplifier configured to amplify the signalreceived at the VCA by drawing a current of one of plurality ofconfigured amounts indicated by the amplifier control signal. In someimplementations, at least one of the VCAs includes acontinuously-variable current amplifier configured to amplify a signalreceived at the VCA by drawing a current proportional to the amplifiercontrol signal.

In some implementations, the amplifiers 314 a-314 d are fixed-gain,fixed-current amplifiers. In some implementations, the amplifiers 314a-314 d are fixed-gain, variable-current amplifiers. In someimplementations, the amplifiers 314 a-314 d are variable-gain,fixed-current amplifiers. In some implementations, the amplifiers 314a-314 d are variable-gain, variable-current amplifiers.

In some implementations, the DRx controller 302 generates the amplifiercontrol signal(s) based on a quality of service metric of an inputsignal received at the input. In some implementations, the DRxcontroller 302 generates the amplifier control signal(s) based on asignal received from the communications controller 120, which may, inturn, be based on a quality of service (QoS) metric of the receivedsignal. The QoS metric of the received signal may be based, at least inpart, on the diversity signal received on the diversity antenna 140(e.g., an input signal received at the input). The QoS metric of thereceived signal may be further based on a signal received on a primaryantenna. In some implementations, the DRx controller 302 generates theamplifier control signal(s) based on a QoS metric of the diversitysignal without receiving a signal from the communications controller120.

In some implementations, the QoS metric includes a signal strength. Asanother example, the QoS metric may include a bit error rate, a datathroughput, a transmission delay, or any other QoS metric.

As noted herein, the DRx module 310 has an input that receives thediversity signal from the diversity antenna 140 and an output thatprovides a processed diversity signal to the transceiver 330 (via thetransmission line 135 and the diversity RF module 320). The diversity RFmodule 320 receives the processed diversity signal via the transmissionline 135 and performs further processing. In particular, the processeddiversity signal is split or routed by a diversity RF multiplexer 321 toone or more paths on which the split or routed signal is filtered bycorresponding bandpass filters 323 a-323 d and amplified bycorresponding amplifiers 324 a-324 d. The output of each of theamplifiers 324 a-324 d is provided to the transceiver 330.

The diversity RF multiplexer 321 may be controlled by the controller 120(either directly or via or an on-chip diversity RF controller) toselectively activate one or more of the paths. Similarly, the amplifiers324 a-324 d may be controlled by the controller 120. For example, insome implementations, each of the amplifiers 324 a-324 d includes anenable/disable input and is enabled (or disabled) based on an amplifierenable signal. In some implementations, the amplifiers 324 a-324 d arevariable-gain amplifiers (VGAs) that amplify a signal received at theVGA with a gain controlled by an amplifier control signal received fromthe controller 120 (or an on-chip diversity RF controller controlled bythe controller 120). In some implementations, the amplifiers 324 a-324 dare variable-current amplifiers (VCAs).

With the DRx module 310 added to the receiver chain already includingthe diversity RF module 320, the number of bandpass filters in the DRxconfiguration 300 is doubled. Thus, in some implementations, bandpassfilters 323 a-323 d are not included in the diversity RF module 320.Rather, the bandpass filters 313 a-313 d of the DRx module 310 are usedto reduce the strength of out-of-band blockers. Further, the automaticgain control (AGC) table of the diversity RF module 320 may be shiftedto reduce the amount of gain provided by the amplifiers 324 a-324 d ofthe diversity RF module 320 by the amount of the gain provided by theamplifiers 314 a-314 d of the DRx module 310.

For example, if the DRx module gain is 15 dB and the receiversensitivity is −100 dBm, the diversity RF module 320 will see −85 dBm ofsensitivity. If the closed-loop AGC of the diversity RF module 320 isactive, its gain will drop by 15 dB automatically. However, both signalcomponents and out-of-band blockers are received amplified by 15 dB.Thus, the 15 dB gain drop of the diversity RF module 320 may also beaccompanied by a 15 dB increase in its linearity. In particular, theamplifiers 324 a-324 d of the diversity RF module 320 may be designedsuch that the linearity of the amplifiers increases with reduced gain(or increased current).

In some implementations, the controller 120 controls the gain (and/orcurrent) of the amplifiers 314 a-314 d of the DRx module 310 and theamplifiers 324 a-324 d of the diversity RF module 320. As in the exampleherein, the controller 120 may reduce an amount of gain provided by theamplifiers 324 a-324 d of the diversity RF module 320 in response toincreasing an amount of gain provided by the amplifiers 314 a-314 d ofthe DRx module 310. Thus, in some implementations, the controller 120 isconfigured to generate a downstream amplifier control signal (for theamplifiers 324 a-324 d of the diversity RF module 320) based on theamplifier control signal (for the amplifiers 314 a-314 d of the DRxmodule 310) to control a gain of one or more downstream amplifiers 324a-324 d coupled to the output (of the DRx module 310) via thetransmission line 135. In some implementations, the controller 120 alsocontrols the gain of other components of the wireless device, such asamplifiers in the front-end module (FEM), based on the amplifier controlsignal.

As noted herein, in some implementations, the bandpass filters 323 a-323d are not included. Thus, in some implementations, at least one of thedownstream amplifiers 324 a-324 d are coupled to the output (of the DRxmodule 310) via the transmission line 135 without passing through adownstream bandpass filter.

FIG. 4 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration 400 may include a diversity RF module 420 with feweramplifiers than a diversity receiver (DRx) module 310. The diversityreceiver configuration 400 includes a diversity antenna 140 and a DRxmodule 310 as described herein with respect to FIG. 3. The output of theDRx module 310 is passed, via a transmission line 135, to a diversity RFmodule 420 which differs from the diversity RF module 320 of FIG. 3 inthat the diversity RF module 420 of FIG. 4 includes fewer amplifiersthan the DRx module 310.

As mentioned herein, in some implementations, the diversity RF module420 does not include bandpass filters. Thus, in some implementations,the one or more amplifiers 424 of the diversity RF module 420 need notbe band-specific. In particular, the diversity RF module 420 may includeone or more paths, each including an amplifier 424, that are not mapped1-to-1 with the paths DRx module 310. Such a mapping of paths (orcorresponding amplifiers) may be stored in the controller 120.

Accordingly, whereas the DRx module 310 includes a number of paths, eachcorresponding to a frequency band, the diversity RF module 420 mayinclude one or more paths that do not correspond to a single frequencyband.

In some implementations (as shown in FIG. 4), the diversity RF module420 includes a single wide-band or tunable amplifier 424 that amplifiesthe signal received from the transmission line 135 and outputs anamplified signal to a multiplexer 421. The multiplexer 421 includes aplurality of multiplexer outputs, each corresponding to a respectivefrequency band. In some implementations, the diversity RF module 420does not include any amplifiers.

In some implementations, the diversity signal is a single-band signal.Thus, in some implementations, the multiplexer 421 is a SPMT switch thatroutes the diversity signal to one of the plurality of outputscorresponding to the frequency band of the single-band signal based on asignal received from the controller 120. In some implementations, thediversity signal is a multi-band signal. Thus, in some implementations,the multiplexer 421 is a signal splitter that routes the diversitysignal to two or more of the plurality of outputs corresponding to thetwo or more frequency bands of the multi-band signal based on a splittercontrol signal received from the controller 120. In someimplementations, diversity RF module 420 may be combined with thetransceiver 330 as a single module.

In some implementations, the diversity RF module 420 includes multipleamplifiers, each corresponding to a set of frequency bands. The signalfrom the transmission line 135 may be fed into a band splitter thatoutputs high frequencies along a first path to a high-frequencyamplifier and outputs low frequencies along a second path to alow-frequency amplifier. The output of each of the amplifiers may beprovided to the multiplexer 421 which is configured to route the signalto the corresponding inputs of the transceiver 330.

FIG. 5 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration 500 may include a DRx module 510 coupled to an off-modulefilter 513. The DRx module 510 may include a packaging substrate 501configured to receive a plurality of components and a receiving systemimplemented on the packaging substrate 501. The DRx module 510 mayinclude one or more signal paths that are routed off the DRx module 510and made available to a system integrator, designer, or manufacturer tosupport a filter for any desired band.

The DRx module 510 includes a number of paths between the input and theoutput of the DRx module 510. The DRx module 510 includes a bypass pathbetween the input and the output activated by a bypass switch 519controlled by the DRx controller 502. Although FIG. 5 illustrates asingle bypass switch 519, in some implementations, the bypass switch 519may include multiple switches (e.g., a first switch disposed physicallyclose to the input and a second switch disposed physically close to theoutput. As shown in FIG. 5, the bypass path does not include a filter oran amplifier.

The DRx module 510 includes a number of multiplexer paths including afirst multiplexer 511 and a second multiplexer 512. The multiplexerpaths include a number of on-module paths that include the firstmultiplexer 511, a bandpass filter 313 a-313 d implemented on thepackaging substrate 501, an amplifier 314 a-314 d implemented on thepackaging substrate 501, and the second multiplexer 512. The multiplexerpaths include one or more off-module paths that include the firstmultiplexer 511, a bandpass filter 513 implemented off the packagingsubstrate 501, an amplifier 514, and the second multiplexer 512. Theamplifier 514 may be a wide-band amplifier implemented on the packagingsubstrate 501 or may also be implemented off the packaging substrate501. As described herein, the amplifiers 314 a-314 d, 514 may bevariable-gain amplifiers and/or variable-current amplifiers.

The DRx controller 502 is configured to selectively activate one or moreof the plurality of paths between the input and the output. In someimplementations, the DRx controller 502 is configured to selectivelyactivate one or more of the plurality of paths based on a band selectsignal received by the DRx controller 502 (e.g., from a communicationscontroller). The DRx controller 502 may selectively activate the pathsby, for example, opening or closing the bypass switch 519, enabling ordisabling the amplifiers 314 a-314 d, 514, controlling the multiplexers511, 512, or through other mechanisms. For example, the DRx controller502 may open or close switches along the paths (e.g., between thefilters 313 a-313 d, 513 and the amplifiers 314 a-314 d, 514) or bysetting the gain of the amplifiers 314 a-314 d, 514 to substantiallyzero.

Example A: Variable-Gain Amplifiers

As described herein, amplifiers for processing received signals can bevariable-gain amplifiers (VGAs). Thus, in some implementations, a DRxmodule can include a plurality of variable-gain amplifiers (VGAs), witheach one of the VGAs being disposed along a corresponding one of theplurality of paths and configured to amplify a signal received at theVGA with a gain controlled by an amplifier control signal received froma DRx controller.

In some embodiments, the gain of a VGA may be bypassable, step-variable,continuously-variable. FIG. 6 shows that in some embodiments, avariable-gain amplifier A350 may be bypassable. The VGA A350 includes afixed-gain amplifier A351 and a bypass switch A352 controllable by anamplifier control signal produced by a DRx controller A302. The bypassswitch A352 may (in a first position) close a line from an input of thefixed-gain amplifier A351 to an output of the fixed-gain amplifier,allowing a signal to bypass the fixed-gain amplifier A351. The bypassswitch A352 may (in a second position) open the line between the inputof the fixed-gain amplifier A351 and the output of the fixed-gainamplifier A351, passing a signal through the fixed-gain amplifier A351.In some implementations, when the bypass switch is in the firstposition, the fixed-gain amplifier is disabled or otherwise reconfiguredto accommodate the bypass mode. Referring to the example of FIG. 3, insome implementations, at least one of the VGAs 314 a-314 d can include afixed-gain amplifier and a bypass switch controllable by the amplifiercontrol signal.

FIG. 7 shows that in some embodiments, the gain of a variable-gainamplifier A360 may be step-variable or continuously-variable. In someimplementations, the VGA A360 is step-variable and, in response to adigital amplifier control signal produced by the DRx controller A302,amplifies the signal received at the input of the VGA A360 with a gainof one of a plurality of configured amounts indicated by the digitalsignal. In some implementations, the VGA A360 is continuously-variableand, in response to an analog amplifier control signal produced by theDRx controller A302, amplifies the signal received at the input of theVGA A360 with a gain proportional to characteristic (e.g., a voltage orduty cycle) of the analog signal. Referring to the example of FIG. 3, insome implementations, at least one of the VGAs 314 a-314 d can include astep-variable gain amplifier configured to amplify the signal receivedat the VGA with a gain of one of plurality of configured amountsindicated by the amplifier control signal. In some implementations, atleast one of the VGAs 314 a-314 d of FIG. 3 can include acontinuously-variable gain amplifier configured to amplify a signalreceived at the VGA with a gain proportional to the amplifier controlsignal.

In some implementations, the amplifiers 314 a-314 d of FIG. 3 can bevariable-current amplifiers (VCAs). The current drawn by a VCA may bebypassable, step-variable, continuously-variable. In someimplementations, at least one of the VCAs includes a fixed-currentamplifier and a bypass switch controllable by the amplifier controlsignal. The bypass switch may (in a first position) close a line betweenan input of the fixed-current amplifier to an output of fixed-currentamplifier, allowing a signal to bypass the fixed-current amplifier. Thebypass switch may (in a second position) open the line between the inputand the output, passing a signal through the fixed-current amplifier. Insome implementations, when the bypass switch is in the first position,the fixed-current amplifier is disabled or otherwise reconfigured toaccommodate the bypass mode.

In some implementations, at least one of the VCAs includes astep-variable current amplifier configured to amplify the signalreceived at the VCA by drawing a current of one of plurality ofconfigured amounts indicated by the amplifier control signal. In someimplementations, at least one of the VCAs includes acontinuously-variable current amplifier configured to amplify a signalreceived at the VCA by drawing a current proportional to the amplifiercontrol signal.

In some implementations, the amplifiers 314 a-314 d of FIG. 3 can befixed-gain, fixed-current amplifiers. In some implementations, theamplifiers 314 a-314 d are fixed-gain, variable-current amplifiers. Insome implementations, the amplifiers 314 a-314 d are variable-gain,fixed-current amplifiers. In some implementations, the amplifiers 314a-314 d are variable-gain, variable-current amplifiers.

In some implementations, the DRx controller 302 generates the amplifiercontrol signal(s) based on a quality of service metric of an inputsignal received at the input of the first multiplexer 311. In someimplementations, the DRx controller 302 generates the amplifier controlsignal(s) based on a signal received from the communications controller120, which may, in turn, be based on a quality of service (QoS) metricof the received signal. The QoS metric of the received signal may bebased, at least in part, on the diversity signal received on thediversity antenna 140 (e.g., an input signal received at the input). TheQoS metric of the received signal may be further based on a signalreceived on a primary antenna. In some implementations, the DRxcontroller 302 generates the amplifier control signal(s) based on a QoSmetric of the diversity signal without receiving a signal from thecommunications controller 120.

In some implementations, the QoS metric includes a signal strength. Asanother example, the QoS metric may include a bit error rate, a datathroughput, a transmission delay, or any other QoS metric.

As noted herein, the DRx module 310 of FIG. 3 can have an input thatreceives the diversity signal from the diversity antenna 140 and anoutput that provides a processed diversity signal to the transceiver 330(via the transmission line 135 and the diversity RF module 320). Thediversity RF module 320 receives the processed diversity signal via thetransmission line 135 and performs further processing. In particular,the processed diversity signal is split or routed by a diversity RFmultiplexer 321 to one or more paths on which the split or routed signalis filtered by corresponding bandpass filters 323 a-323 d and amplifiedby corresponding amplifiers 324 a-324 d. The output of each of theamplifiers 324 a-324 d is provided to the transceiver 330.

The diversity RF multiplexer 321 may be controlled by the controller 120(either directly or via or an on-chip diversity RF controller) toselectively activate one or more of the paths. Similarly, the amplifiers324 a-324 d may be controlled by the controller 120. For example, insome implementations, each of the amplifiers 324 a-324 d includes anenable/disable input and is enabled (or disabled) based on an amplifierenable signal. In some implementations, the amplifiers 324 a-324 d arevariable-gain amplifiers (VGAs) that amplify a signal received at theVGA with a gain controlled by an amplifier control signal received fromthe controller 120 (or an on-chip diversity RF controller controlled bythe controller 120). In some implementations, the amplifiers 324 a-324 dare variable-current amplifiers (VCAs).

With the DRx module 310 added to the receiver chain already includingthe diversity RF module 320, the number of bandpass filters in the DRxconfiguration 300 is doubled. Thus, in some implementations, bandpassfilters 323 a-323 d are not included in the diversity RF module 320.Rather, the bandpass filters 313 a-313 d of the DRx module 310 are usedto reduce the strength of out-of-band blockers. Further, the automaticgain control (AGC) table of the diversity RF module 320 may be shiftedto reduce the amount of gain provided by the amplifiers 324 a-324 d ofthe diversity RF module 320 by the amount of the gain provided by theamplifiers 314 a-314 d of the DRx module 310.

For example, if the DRx module gain is 15 dB and the receiversensitivity is −100 dBm, the diversity RF module 320 will see −85 dBm ofsensitivity. If the closed-loop AGC of the diversity RF module 320 isactive, its gain will drop by 15 dB automatically. However, both signalcomponents and out-of-band blockers are received amplified by 15 dB.Thus, in some implementations, the 15 dB gain drop of the diversity RFmodule 320 is accompanied by a 15 dB increase in its linearity. Inparticular, the amplifiers 324 a-324 d of the diversity RF module 320may be designed such that the linearity of the amplifiers increases withreduced gain (or increased current).

In some implementations, the controller 120 controls the gain (and/orcurrent) of the amplifiers 314 a-314 d of the DRx module 310 and theamplifiers 324 a-324 d of the diversity RF module 320. As in the exampleherein, the controller 120 may reduce an amount of gain provided by theamplifiers 324 a-324 d of the diversity RF module 320 in response toincreasing an amount of gain provided by the amplifiers 314 a-314 d ofthe DRx module 310. Thus, in some implementations, the controller 120 isconfigured to generate a downstream amplifier control signal (for theamplifiers 324 a-324 d of the diversity RF module 320) based on theamplifier control signal (for the amplifiers 314 a-314 d of the DRxmodule 310) to control a gain of one or more downstream amplifiers 324a-324 d coupled to the output (of the DRx module 310) via thetransmission line 135. In some implementations, the controller 120 alsocontrols the gain of other components of the wireless device, such asamplifiers in the front-end module (FEM), based on the amplifier controlsignal.

As noted herein, in some implementations, the bandpass filters 323 a-323d are not included. Thus, in some implementations, at least one of thedownstream amplifiers 324 a-324 d are coupled to the output (of the DRxmodule 310) via the transmission line 135 without passing through adownstream bandpass filter. Examples related to such implementations aredescribed herein in reference to FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration A600 may include a DRx module A610 with tunable matchingcircuits. In particular, the DRx module A610 may include one or moretunable matching circuits disposed at one or more of the input and theoutput of the DRx module A610.

Multiple frequency bands received on the same diversity antenna 140 areunlikely to all see an ideal impedance match. To match each frequencyband using a compact matching circuit, a tunable input matching circuitA616 may be implemented at the input of the DRx module A610 andcontrolled by the DRx controller A602 (e.g., based on a band selectsignal from a communications controller). The DRx controller A602 maytune the tunable input matching circuit A616 based on a lookup tablethat associates frequency bands (or sets of frequency bands) with tuningparameters. The tunable input matching circuit A616 may be a tunableT-circuit, a tunable PI-circuit, or any other tunable matching circuit.In particular, the tunable input matching circuit A616 may include oneor more variable components, such as resistors, inductors, andcapacitors. The variable components may be connected in parallel and/orin series and may be connected between the input of the DRx module A610and the input of the first multiplexer A311 or may be connected betweenthe input of the DRx module A610 and a ground voltage.

Similarly, with only one transmission line 135 (or, at least, fewcables) carrying signals of many frequency bands, it is not likely thatmultiple frequency bands will all see an ideal impedance match. To matcheach frequency band using a compact matching circuit, a tunable outputmatching circuit A617 may be implemented at the output of the DRx moduleA610 and controlled by the DRx controller A602 (e.g., based on a bandselect signal from a communications controller). The DRx controller A602may tune the tunable output matching circuit A618 based on a lookuptable that associates frequency bands (or sets of frequency bands) withtuning parameters. The tunable output matching circuit A617 may be atunable T-circuit, a tunable PI-circuit, or any other tunable matchingcircuit. In particular, the tunable output matching circuit A617 mayinclude one or more variable components, such as resistors, inductors,and capacitors. The variable components may be connected in paralleland/or in series and may be connected between the output of the DRxmodule A610 and the output of the second multiplexer A312 or may beconnected between the output of the DRx module A610 and a groundvoltage.

FIG. 9 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration A700 may include multiple antennas. Although FIG. 9illustrates an embodiment with two antennas A740 a-A740 b and onetransmission line 135, aspects described herein may be implemented inembodiments with more than two antennas and/or two or more cables.

The diversity receiver configuration A700 includes a DRx module A710coupled to a first antenna A740 a and a second antenna A740 b. In someimplementations, the first antenna A740 a is a high-band antennaconfigured to receive signals transmitted at higher frequency bands andthe second antenna A740 b is a low-band antenna configured to receivesignals transmitted at lower frequency bands.

The DRx module A710 includes a first tunable input matching circuit A716a at a first input of the DRx module A710 and a second tunable inputmatching circuit A716 b at a second input of the DRx module A710. TheDRx module A710 further includes a tunable output matching circuit A717at the output of the DRx module A710. The DRx controller A702 may tuneeach of the tunable matching circuits A716 a-A716 b, A717 based on alookup table that associates frequency bands (or sets of frequencybands) with tuning parameters. Each of the tunable matching circuitsA716 a-A716 b, A717 may be a tunable T-circuit, a tunable PI-circuit, orany other tunable matching circuit.

The DRx module A710 includes a number of paths between the inputs (thefirst input coupled to the first antenna A740 a and the second inputcoupled to the second antenna A740 b) and the output (coupled to thetransmission line 135) of the DRx module A710. In some implementations,the DRx module A710 includes one or more bypass paths (not shown)between the inputs and the output activated by one or more bypassswitches controlled by the DRx controller A702.

The DRx module A710 includes a number of multiplexer paths including oneof a first input multiplexer A711 a or a second input multiplexer A711 band including an output multiplexer A712. The multiplexer paths includea number of on-module paths (shown) that include one of the tunableinput matching circuit A716 a-A716 b, one of the input multiplexers A711a-A711 b, a bandpass filter A713 a-A713 h, an amplifier A714 a-A714 h,the output multiplexer A712, and the output matching circuit A717. Themultiplexer paths may include one or more off-module paths (not shown)as described herein. As also described herein, the amplifiers A714a-A714 h may be variable-gain amplifiers and/or variable-currentamplifiers.

The DRx controller A702 is configured to selectively activate one ormore of the plurality of paths between the input and the output. In someimplementations, the DRx controller A702 is configured to selectivelyactivate one or more of the plurality of paths based on a band selectsignal received by the DRx controller A702 (e.g., from a communicationscontroller). In some implementations, the DRx controller A702 isconfigured to tune the tunable matching circuits A716 a-A716 b, A717based on the band select signal. The DRx controller A702 may selectivelyactivate the paths by, for example, enabling or disabling the amplifiersA714 a-A714 h, controlling the multiplexers A711 a-A711 b, A712, orthrough other mechanisms as described herein.

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of a flowchart representation of a method ofprocessing an RF signal. In some implementations (and as detailed belowas an example), the method A800 is performed by a controller, such asthe DRx controller 302 of FIG. 3 or the communications controller 120 ofFIG. 3. In some implementations, the method A800 is performed byprocessing logic, including hardware, firmware, software, or acombination thereof. In some implementations, the method A800 isperformed by a processor executing code stored in a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium (e.g., a memory). Briefly, the method A800includes receiving a band select signal and routing a received RF signalalong one or more gain-controlled paths to process the received RFsignal.

The method A800 begins, at block A810, with the controller receiving aband select signal. The controller may receive the band select signalfrom another controller or may receive the band select signal from acellular base station or other external source. The band select signalmay indicate one or more frequency bands over which a wireless device isto transmit and receive RF signals. In some implementations, the bandselect signal indicates a set of frequency bands for carrier aggregationcommunication.

In some implementations, the controller tunes one or more tunablematching circuits based on the received band select signal. For example,the controller may tune the tunable matching circuits based on a lookuptable that associates frequency bands (or sets of frequency bands)indicated by the band select signal with tuning parameters.

At block A820, the controller selectively activates one or more paths ofa diversity receiver (DRx) module based on the band select signal. Asdescribed herein, a DRx module may include a number of paths between oneor more inputs (coupled to one or more antennas) and one or more outputs(coupled to one or more cables) of the DRx module. The paths may includebypass paths and multiplexer paths. The multiplexer paths may includeon-module paths and off-module paths.

The controller may selectively activate one or more of the plurality ofpaths by, for example, opening or closing one or more bypass switches,enabling or disabling amplifiers disposed along the paths via anamplifier enable signal, controlling one or more multiplexers via asplitter control signal and/or a combiner control signal, or throughother mechanisms. For example, the controller may open or close switchesdisposed along the paths or by setting the gain of the amplifiersdisposed along the paths to substantially zero.

At block A830, the controller sends an amplifier control signal to oneor more amplifiers respectively disposed along the one or more activatedpaths. The amplifier control signal controls the gain (or current) ofthe amplifier to which it is sent. In one embodiment, the amplifierincludes a fixed-gain amplifier and a bypass switch controllable by theamplifier control signal. Thus, in one embodiment, the amplifier controlsignal indicates whether the bypass switch is to be open or closed.

In one embodiment, the amplifier includes a step-variable gain amplifierconfigured to amplify the signal received at the amplifier with a gainof one of a plurality of configured amounts indicated by the amplifiercontrol signal. Thus, in one embodiment, the amplifier control signalindicates one of a plurality of configured amounts.

In one embodiment, the amplifier includes a continuously-variable gainamplifier configured to amplify the signal received at the amplifierwith a gain proportional to the amplifier control signal. Thus, in oneembodiment, the amplifier control signal indicates a proportional amountof gain.

In some implementations, the controller generates the amplifier controlsignal(s) based on a quality of service (QoS) metric of an input signalreceived at the input. In some implementations, the controller generatesthe amplifier control signal(s) based on a signal received from anothercontroller, which may, in turn, be based on a QoS metric of the receivedsignal. The QoS metric of the received signal may be based, at least inpart, on the diversity signal received on the diversity antenna (e.g.,an input signal received at the input). The QoS metric of the receivedsignal may be further based on a signal received on a primary antenna.In some implementations, the controller generates the amplifier controlsignal(s) based on a QoS metric of the diversity signal withoutreceiving a signal from another controller. For example, the QoS metricmay include a signal strength. As another example, the QoS metric mayinclude a bit error rate, a data throughput, a transmission delay, orany other QoS metric.

In some implementations, the controller, in block A830, also sends adownstream amplifier control signal based on the amplifier controlsignal to control a gain of one or more downstream amplifiers coupled tothe output via one or more cables.

Among others, the foregoing Example A related to variable-gainamplifiers can be summarized as follows.

In accordance with some implementations, the present disclosure relatesto a receiving system including a controller configured to selectivelyactivate one or more of a plurality of paths between an input of a firstmultiplexer and an output of a second multiplexer. The receiving systemfurther includes a plurality of bandpass filters. Each one of theplurality of bandpass filters is disposed along a corresponding one ofthe plurality of paths and is configured to filter a signal received atthe bandpass filter to a respective band. The receiving system furtherincludes a plurality of variable-gain amplifiers (VGAs). Each one of theplurality of VGAs is disposed along a corresponding one of the pluralityof paths and is configured to amplifier a signal received at the VGAwith a gain controlled by an amplifier control signal received from thecontroller.

In some embodiments, the controller can be configured to selectivelyactivate the one or more of the plurality of paths based on a bandselect signal received by the controller. In some embodiments, thecontroller can be configured to selectively activate the one or more ofthe plurality of paths by transmitting a splitter control signal to thefirst multiplexer and a combiner control signal to the secondmultiplexer. In some embodiments, the controller can be configured toselectively activate the one or more of the plurality of paths bytransmitting an amplifier enable signal to one or more of the pluralityof VGAs respectively disposed along the one or more of the plurality ofpaths.

In some embodiments, at least one of the VGAs can include a fixed-gainamplifier and a bypass switch controllable by the amplifier controlsignal. In some embodiments, at least one of the VGAs can include astep-variable gain amplifier configured to amplify the signal receivedat the VGA with a gain of one of a plurality of configured amountsindicated by the amplifier control signal or a continuously-variablegain amplifier configured to amplify the signal received at the VGA witha gain proportional to the amplifier control signal. In someembodiments, at least one of the VGAs can include a variable-currentamplifier configured to amplify the signal received at the amplifier bydrawing an amount of current controlled by the amplifier control signal.

In some embodiments, the amplifier control signal is based on a qualityof service metric of an input signal received at the input of the firstmultiplexer.

In some embodiments, at least one of the VGAs can include a low-noiseamplifier.

In some embodiments, the receiving system can further include one ormore tunable matching circuits disposed at one or more of the input andthe output.

In some embodiments, the receiving system can further include atransmission line coupled to the output of the second multiplexer andcoupled to a downstream module including one or more downstreamamplifiers. In some embodiments, the controller can be furtherconfigured to generate a downstream amplifier control signal based onthe amplifier control signal to control a gain of the one or moredownstream amplifiers. In some embodiments, at least one of thedownstream amplifiers can be coupled to the transmission line withoutpassing through a downstream bandpass filter. In some embodiments, anumber of the one or more downstream amplifiers can be less than anumber of the VGAs.

In some implementations, the present disclosure relates to aradio-frequency (RF) module that includes a packaging substrateconfigured to receive a plurality of components. The RF module furtherincludes a receiving system implemented on the packaging substrate. Thereceiving system includes a controller configured to selectivelyactivate one or more of a plurality of paths between an input of a firstmultiplexer and an output of a second multiplexer (e.g., an input of theRF module and an output of the RF module). The receiving system furtherincludes a plurality of bandpass filters. Each one of the bandpassfilters is disposed along a corresponding one of the plurality of pathsand is configured to filter a signal received at the bandpass filter toa respective frequency band. The receiving system further includes aplurality of variable-gain amplifiers (VGAs). Each one of the pluralityof VGAs is disposed along a corresponding one of the plurality of pathsand is configured to amplify a signal received at the VGA with a gaincontrolled by an amplifier control signal received from the controller.

In some embodiments, the RF module can be a diversity receiver front-endmodule (FEM).

In some embodiments, the plurality of paths includes an off-module path.The off-module path can include an off-module bandpass filter and one ofthe plurality of VGAs.

According to some teachings, the present disclosure relates to awireless device that includes a first antenna configured to receive afirst radio-frequency (RF) signal. The wireless device further includesa first front-end module (FEM) in communication with the first antenna.The first FEM including a packaging substrate configured to receive aplurality of components. The first FEM further includes a receivingsystem implemented on the packaging substrate. The receiving systemincludes a controller configured to selectively activate one or more ofa plurality of paths between an input of a first multiplexer and anoutput of a second multiplexer. The receiving system further includes aplurality of bandpass filters. Each one of the plurality of bandpassfilters is disposed along a corresponding one of the plurality of pathsand is configured to filter a signal received at the bandpass filter toa respective frequency band. The receiving system further includes aplurality of variable-gain amplifiers (VGAs). Each one of the pluralityof VGAs is disposed along a corresponding one of the plurality of pathsand is configured to amplify a signal received at the VGA with a gaincontrolled by an amplifier control signal received from the controller.The wireless device further includes a communications module configuredto receive a processed version of the first RF signal from the outputvia a cable and generate data bits based on the processed version of thefirst RF signal.

In some embodiments, the wireless device further includes a secondantenna configured to receive a second radio-frequency (RF) signal and asecond FEM in communication with the second antenna. The communicationsmodule can be configured to receive a processed version of the second RFsignal from an output of the second FEM and generate the data bits basedon the processed version of the second RF signal.

In some embodiment, the wireless device includes a communicationscontroller configured to control the first FEM and a gain of one or moredownstream amplifiers of the communications module.

Example B: Phase-Shifting Components

FIG. 11 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration B600 may include a DRx module B610 with one or more phasematching components B624 a-B624 b. The DRx module B610 includes twopaths from an input of the DRx module B610, coupled to an antenna 140,and an output of the DRx module B610, coupled to a transmission line135.

In the DRx module B610 of FIG. 11, the signal splitter and bandpassfilters are implemented as a diplexer B611. The diplexer B611 includesan input coupled to the antenna 140, a first output coupled to a firstamplifier 314 a, and a second output coupled to a second amplifier 314b. At the first output, the diplexer B611 outputs a signal received atthe input (e.g., from the antenna 140) filtered to a first frequencyband. At the second output, the diplexer B611 outputs the signalreceived at the input filtered to a second frequency band. In someimplementations, the diplexer B611 may be replaced with a triplexer, aquadplexer, or any other multiplexer configured to split an input signalreceived at the input of the DRx module B610 into a plurality of signalsat a respective plurality of frequency bands propagated along aplurality of paths.

As described herein, each one of the amplifiers 314 a-314 b is disposedalong a corresponding one of the paths and is configured to amplify asignal received at the amplifier. The output of the amplifiers 314 a-314b are fed through a corresponding phase-shift component B624 a-B624 bbefore being combined by a signal combiner B612.

The signal combiner B612 includes a first input coupled to the firstphase shift component B624 a, a second input coupled to second phaseshift component B624 b, and an output coupled to the output of the DRxmodule B610. The signal at the output of the signal combiner is a sum ofthe signals at the first input and the second input. Thus, the signalcombiner is configured to combine signals propagated along the pluralityof paths.

When a signal is received by the antenna 140, the signal is filtered bythe diplexer B611 to a first frequency band and propagated along thefirst path through the first amplifier 314 a. The filtered and amplifiedsignal is phase-shifted by the first phase-shift component B624 a andfed to the first input of the signal combiner B612. In someimplementations, the signal combiner B612 or the second amplifier 314 bdo not prevent the signal from continuing through the signal combinerB612 along the second path in a reverse direction. Thus, the signalpropagates through the second phase-shift component B624 b and throughthe second amplifier 314 b, where it reflects off the diplexer B611. Thereflected signal propagates through the second amplifier 314 b and thesecond phase-shift component B624 b to reach the second input of thesignal combiner B612.

When the initial signal (at the first input of the signal combiner B612)and the reflected signal (at the second input of the signal combinerB612) are out-of-phase, the summation performed by the signal combinerB612 results in a weakening of the signal at the output of the signalcombiner B612. Similarly, when the initial signal and the reflectedsignal are in-phase, the summation performed by the signal combiner B612results in a strengthening of the signal at the output of the signalcombiner B612. Thus, in some implementations, the second phase-shiftcomponent B624 b is configured to phase-shift the signal (at least inthe first frequency band) such that the initial signal and the reflectedsignal are at least partially in-phase. In particular, the secondphase-shift component B624 b is configured to phase-shift the signal (atleast in the first frequency band) such that the amplitude of the sum ofinitial signal and the reflected signal is greater than the amplitude ofthe initial signal.

For example, the second phase-shift component B624 b may be configuredto phase-shift a signal passing through the second phase-shift componentB624 b by −½ times the phase-shift introduced by reverse propagationthrough the second amplifier 314 b, reflection off the diplexer B611,and forward propagation through the second amplifier 314 b. As anotherexample, the second phase-shift component B624 b may be configured tophase-shift a signal passing through the second phase-shift componentB624 b by half of the difference between 360 degrees and the phase-shiftintroduced by reverse propagation through the second amplifier 314 b,reflection off the diplexer B611, and forward propagation through thesecond amplifier 314 b. In general, the second phase-shift componentB624 b may be configured to phase-shift a signal passing through thesecond phase-shift component B624 b such that the initial signal and thereflected signal have a phase difference of an integer multiple(including zero) of 360 degrees.

As an example, the initial signal may be at 0 degrees (or any otherreference phase), and the reverse propagation through the secondamplifier 314 b, reflection off the diplexer B611, and forwardpropagation through the second amplifier 314 b may introduce a phaseshift of 140 degrees. Thus, in some implementations, the secondphase-shift component B624 b is configured to phase-shift a signalpassing through the second phase-shift component B624 b by −70 degrees.Thus, the initial signal is phase-shifted to −70 degrees by the secondphase-shift component B624 b, to 70 degrees by reverse propagationthrough the second amplifier 314 b, reflection off the diplexer B611,and forward propagation through the second amplifier 314 b, and back to0 degrees by the second-phase shift component B624 b.

In some implementations, the second phase-shift component B624 b isconfigured to phase-shift a signal passing through the secondphase-shift component B624 b by 110 degrees. Thus, the initial signal isphase-shifted to 110 degrees by the second phase-shift component B624 b,to 250 degrees by reverse propagation through the second amplifier 314b, reflection off the diplexer B611, and forward propagation through thesecond amplifier 314 b, and to 360 degrees by the second-phase shiftcomponent B624 b.

At the same time, the signal received by the antenna 140 is filtered bythe diplexer B611 to a second frequency band and propagated along thesecond path through the second amplifier 314 b. The filtered andamplified signal is phase-shifted by the second phase-shift componentB624 b and fed to the second input of the signal combiner B612. In someimplementations, the signal combiner B612 or the first amplifier 314 ado not prevent the signal from continuing through the signal combinerB612 along the first path in a reverse direction. Thus, the signalpropagates through the first phase-shift component B624 a and throughthe second amplifier 314 a, where it reflects off the diplexer B611. Thereflected signal propagates through the first amplifier 314 a and thefirst phase-shift component B624 a to reach the first input of thesignal combiner B612.

When the initial signal (at the second input of the signal combinerB612) and the reflected signal (at the first input of the signalcombiner B612) are out-of-phase, the summation performed by the signalcombiner B612 results in a weakening of the signal at the output of thesignal combiner B612 and when the initial signal and the reflectedsignal are in-phase, the summation performed by the signal combiner B612results in a strengthening of the signal at the output of the signalcombiner B612. Thus, in some implementations, the first phase-shiftcomponent B624 a is configured to phase-shift the signal (at least inthe second frequency band) such that the initial signal and thereflected signal are at least partially in-phase.

For example, the first phase-shift component B624 a may be configured tophase-shift a signal passing through the first phase-shift componentB624 a by −½ times the phase-shift introduced by reverse propagationthrough the first amplifier 314 a, reflection off the diplexer B611, andforward propagation through the first amplifier 314 a. As anotherexample, the first phase-shift component B624 a may be configured tophase-shift a signal passing through the first phase-shift componentB624 a by half of the difference between 360 degrees and the phase-shiftintroduced by reverse propagation through the first amplifier 314 a,reflection off the diplexer B611, and forward propagation through thefirst amplifier 314 a. In general, the first phase-shift component B624a may be configured to phase-shift a signal passing through the firstphase-shift component B624 a such that the initial signal and thereflected signal have a phase difference of an integer multiple(including zero) of 360 degrees.

The phase-shift components B624 a-B624 b may be implemented as passivecircuits. In particular, the phase-shift components B624 a-B624 b may beimplemented as LC circuits and include one or more passive components,such as inductors and/or capacitors. The passive components may beconnected in parallel and/or in series and may be connected between theoutputs of the amplifiers 314 a-314 b and the inputs of the signalcombiner B612 or may be connected between the outputs of the amplifiers314 a-314 b and a ground voltage. In some implementations, thephase-shift components B624 a-B624 b are integrated into the same die asthe amplifiers 314 a-314 b or on the same package.

In some implementations (e.g., as shown in FIG. 11), the phase-shiftcomponents B624 a-B624 b are disposed along the paths after theamplifiers 314 a-314 b. Thus, any signal attenuation caused by thephase-shift components B624 a-B624 b does not affect the performance ofthe module B610, e.g., the signal-to-noise ratio of the output signal.However, in some implementations, the phase-shift components B624 a-B624b are disposed along the paths before the amplifiers 314 a-314 b. Forexample, the phase-shift components B624 a-B624 b may be integrated intoan impedance matching component disposed between the diplexer B611 andthe amplifiers 314 a-314 b.

FIG. 12 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration B640 may include a DRx module B641 with one or more phasematching components B624 a-B624 b and dual-stage amplifiers B614 a-B614b. The DRx module B641 of FIG. 12 is substantially similar to the DRxmodule B610 of FIG. 11, except that the amplifiers 314 a-314 b of theDRx module B610 of FIG. 11 are replaced with dual-stage amplifiers B614a-B614 b in the DRx module B641 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 13 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration B680 may include a DRx module B681 with one or more phasematching components B624 a-B624 b and a post-combiner amplifier B615.The DRx module B681 of FIG. 13 is substantially similar to the DRxmodule B610 of FIG. 11, except that the DRx module B681 of FIG. 13includes a post-combiner amplifier B615 disposed between the output ofthe signal combiner B612 and the output of the DRx module B681. Like theamplifiers 314 a-314 b, the post-combiner amplifier B615 may be avariable-gain amplifier (VGA) and/or a variable-current amplifiercontrolled by a DRx controller (not shown).

FIG. 14 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration B700 may include a DRx module B710 with tunablephase-shift components B724 a-B724 d. Each of the tunable phase-shiftcomponents B724 a-B724 d may be configured to phase-shift a signalpassing through the tunable phase-shift component an amount controlledby a phase-shift tuning signal received from a DRx controller B702.

The diversity receiver configuration B700 includes a DRx module B710having an input coupled to an antenna 140 and an output coupled to atransmission line 135. The DRx module B710 includes a number of pathsbetween the input and the output of the DRx module B710. In someimplementations, the DRx module B710 includes one or more bypass paths(not shown) between the inputs and the output activated by one or morebypass switches controlled by the DRx controller B702.

The DRx module B710 includes a number of multiplexer paths including aninput multiplexer B311 and an output multiplexer B312. The multiplexerpaths include a number of on-module paths (shown) that include the inputmultiplexer B311, a bandpass filter B313 a-B313 d, an amplifier B314a-B314 d, a tunable phase-shift component B724 a-B724 d, the outputmultiplexer B312, and a post-combiner amplifier B615. The multiplexerpaths may include one or more off-module paths (not shown) as describedherein. As also described herein, the amplifiers B314 a-B314 d(including the post-gain amplifier B615) may be variable-gain amplifiersand/or variable-current amplifiers.

The tunable phase-shift components B724 a-B724 d may include one or morevariable components, such as inductors and capacitors. The variablecomponents may be connected in parallel and/or in series and may beconnected between the outputs of the amplifiers B314 a-B314 d and theinputs of the output multiplexer B312 or may be connected between theoutputs of the amplifiers B314 a-B314 d and a ground voltage.

The DRx controller B702 is configured to selectively activate one ormore of the plurality of paths between the input and the output. In someimplementations, the DRx controller B702 is configured to selectivelyactivate one or more of the plurality of paths based on a band selectsignal received by the DRx controller B702 (e.g., from a communicationscontroller). The DRx controller B702 may selectively activate the pathsby, for example, enabling or disabling the amplifiers B314 a-B314 d,controlling the multiplexers B311, B312, or through other mechanisms asdescribed herein.

In some implementations, the DRx controller B702 is configured to tunethe tunable phase-shift components B724 a-B724 d. In someimplementations, the DRx controller B702 tunes the tunable phase-shiftcomponents B724 a-B724 d based on the band select signal. For example,the DRx controller B702 may tune the tunable phase-shift components B724a-B724 d based on a lookup table that associates frequency bands (orsets of frequency bands) indicated by the band select signal with tuningparameters. Accordingly, in response to a band select signal, the DRxcontroller B702 may transmit a phase-shift tuning signal to the tunablephase-shift component B724 a-B724 d of each active path to tune thetunable phase-shift component (or the variable components thereof)according to the tuning parameters.

The DRx controller B702 may be configured to tune the tunablephase-shift components B724 a-B724 d such that out-of-band reflectedsignals are in-phase at the output multiplexer B312 with out-of-bandinitial signals. For example, if the band select signal indicates thatthe first path (through the first amplifier B314 a) corresponding to afirst frequency band, the second path (through the second amplifier B314b) corresponding to a second frequency band, and the third path (throughthe third amplifier B314 c) are to be activated, the DRx controller B702may tune the first tunable phase-shift component B724 a such that (1)for a signal propagating along the second path (at the second frequencyband), the initial signal is in-phase with a reflected signal thatreverse propagates along the first path, reflects off the bandpassfilter B313 a, and forward propagates through the first path and (2) fora signal propagating along the third path (at the third frequency band),the initial signal is in-phase with a reflected signal that reversepropagates along the first path, reflects off the bandpass filter B313a, and forward propagates through the first path.

The DRx controller B702 may tune the first tunable phase-shift componentB724 a such that the second frequency band is phase-shifted a differentamount than the third frequency band. For example, if the signal at thesecond frequency band is phase-shifted by 140 degrees and the thirdfrequency band is phase-shifted by 130 degrees by reverse propagationthrough the first amplifier B314 a, reflection off the bandpass filterB313 a, and forward propagation through the first amplifier B314 b, theDRx controller B702 may tune the first tunable phase-shift componentB724 a to phase-shift the second frequency band by −70 degrees (or 110degrees) and phase-shift the third frequency band by −65 degrees (or 115degrees).

The DRx controller B702 may similarly tune the second phase-shiftcomponent B724 b and third phase-shift component B724 c.

As another example, if the band select signal indicates that the firstpath, the second path, and the fourth path (through the fourth amplifierB314 d) are to be activated, the DRx controller B702 may tune the firsttunable phase-shift component B724 a such that (1) for a signalpropagating along the second path (at the second frequency band), theinitial signal is in-phase with a reflected signal that reversepropagates along the first path, reflects off the bandpass filter B313a, and forward propagates through the first path and (2) for a signalpropagating along the fourth path (at the fourth frequency band), theinitial signal is in-phase with a reflected signal that reversepropagates along the first path, reflects off the bandpass filter B313a, and forward propagates through the first path.

The DRx controller B702 may tune the variable components of the tunablephase-shift components B724 a-B724 d to have different values fordifferent sets of frequency bands.

In some implementations, the tunable phase-shift components B724 a-B724d are replaced with fixed phase-shift components that are not tunable orcontrolled by the DRx controller B702. Each one of the phase-shiftcomponents disposed along a corresponding one of the paths correspondingto one frequency band may be configured to phase-shift each of the otherfrequency bands such that an initial signal along a corresponding otherpath is in-phase with a reflected signal that reverse propagates alongthe one of the paths, reflects off the corresponding bandpass filter,and forward propagates through the one of the paths.

For example, the third phase-shift component B724 c may be fixed andconfigured to (1) phase-shift the first frequency band such that aninitial signal at the first frequency (propagating along the first path)is in-phase with a reflected signal that reverse propagates along thethird path, reflects off the third bandpass filter B313 c, and forwardpropagates through the third path, (2) phase-shift the second frequencyband such that an initial signal at the second frequency (propagatingalong the second path) is in-phase with a reflected signal that reversepropagates along the third path, reflects off the third bandpass filterB313 c, and forward propagates through the third path, and (3)phase-shift the fourth frequency band such that an initial signal at thefourth frequency (propagating along the fourth path) is in-phase with areflected signal that reverse propagates along the third path, reflectsoff the third bandpass filter B313 c, and forward propagates through thethird path. The other phase-shift components may be similarly fixed andconfigured.

Thus, the DRx module B710 includes a DRx controller B702 configured toselectively one or more of a plurality of paths between an input of theDRx module B710 and an output of the DRx module B710. The DRx moduleB710 further includes plurality of amplifiers B314 a-B314 d, each one ofthe plurality of amplifiers B314 a-B314 d disposed along a correspondingone of the plurality of paths and configured to amplify a signalreceived at the amplifier. The DRx module further includes a pluralityof phase-shift components B724 a-B724 d, each one of the plurality ofphase-shift components B724 a-B724 d disposed along a corresponding oneof the plurality of paths and configured to phase-shift a signal passingthrough the phase-shift component.

In some implementations, the first phase-shift component B724 a isdisposed along a first path corresponding to a first frequency band(e.g., the frequency band of the first bandpass filter B313 a) and isconfigured to phase-shift a second frequency band (e.g., the frequencyband of the second bandpass filter B313 b) of a signal passing throughthe first phase-shift component B724 a such that an initial signalpropagated along a second path corresponding to the second frequencyband and a reflected signal propagated along the first path are at leastpartially in-phase.

In some implementations, the first phase-shift component B724 a isfurther configured to phase-shift a third frequency band (e.g., thefrequency band of the third bandpass filter B313 c) of a signal passingthrough the first phase-shift component B724 a such that an initialsignal propagated along a third path corresponding to the thirdfrequency band and a reflected signal propagated along the first pathare at least partially in-phase.

Similarly, in some implementations, the second phase-shift componentB724 b disposed along the second path is configured to phase-shift thefirst frequency band of a signal passing through the second phase-shiftcomponent B724 b such that an initial signal propagated along the firstpath and a reflected signal propagated along the second path are atleast partially in-phase.

FIG. 17 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration BC1000 may include a DRx module BC1010 with tunableimpedance matching components disposed at the input and output. The DRxmodule BC1010 may include one or more tunable impedance matchingcomponents disposed at one or more of the input and the output of theDRx module BC1010. In particular, the DRx module BC1010 may include aninput tunable impedance matching component BC1016 disposed at the inputof the DRx module BC1010, an output tunable impedance matching componentBC1017 disposed at the output of the DRx module BC1010, or both.

Multiple frequency bands received on the same diversity antenna 140 areunlikely to all see an ideal impedance match. To match each frequencyband using a compact matching circuit, a tunable input impedancematching component BC1016 may be implemented at the input of the DRxmodule BC1010 and controlled by the DRx controller BC1002 (e.g., basedon a band select signal from a communications controller). For example,the DRx controller BC1002 may tune the tunable input impedance matchingcomponent BC1016 based on a lookup table that associates frequency bands(or sets of frequency bands) indicated by the band select signal withtuning parameters. Accordingly, in response to a band select signal, theDRx controller BC1002 may transmit an input impedance tuning signal tothe tunable input impedance matching component BC1016 to tune thetunable input impedance matching component (or the variable componentsthereof) according to the tuning parameters.

The tunable input impedance matching component BC1016 may be a tunableT-circuit, a tunable PI-circuit, or any other tunable matching circuit.In particular, the tunable input impedance matching component BC1016 mayinclude one or more variable components, such as resistors, inductors,and capacitors. The variable components may be connected in paralleland/or in series and may be connected between the input of the DRxmodule BC1010 and the input of the first multiplexer BC311 or may beconnected between the input of the DRx module BC1010 and a groundvoltage.

Similarly, with only one transmission line 135 (or, at least, fewtransmission lines) carrying signals of many frequency bands, it is notlikely that multiple frequency bands will all see an ideal impedancematch. To match each frequency band using a compact matching circuit, atunable output impedance matching component BC1017 may be implemented atthe output of the DRx module BC1010 and controlled by the DRx controllerBC1002 (e.g., based on a band select signal from a communicationscontroller). For example, the DRx controller BC1002 may tune the tunableoutput impedance matching component BC1017 based on a lookup table thatassociates frequency bands (or sets of frequency bands) indicated by theband select signal with tuning parameters. Accordingly, in response to aband select signal, the DRx controller BC1002 may transmit an outputimpedance tuning signal to the tunable output impedance matchingcomponent BC1017 to tune the tunable output impedance matching component(or the variable components thereof) according to the tuning parameters.

The tunable output impedance matching component BC1017 may be a tunableT-circuit, a tunable PI-circuit, or any other tunable matching circuit.In particular, the tunable output impedance matching component BC1017may include one or more variable components, such as resistors,inductors, and capacitors. The variable components may be connected inparallel and/or in series and may be connected between the output of thesecond multiplexer BC312 and the output of the DRx module BC1010 or maybe connected between the output of the second multiplexer BC312 and aground voltage.

FIG. 18 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration BC1100 may include a DRx module BC1110 with multipletunable components. The diversity receiver configuration BC1100 includesa DRx module BC1110 having an input coupled to an antenna 140 and anoutput coupled to a transmission line 135. The DRx module BC1110includes a number of paths between the input and the output of the DRxmodule BC1110. In some implementations, the DRx module BC1110 includesone or more bypass paths (not shown) between the inputs and the outputactivated by one or more bypass switches controlled by the DRxcontroller BC1102.

The DRx module BC1110 includes a number of multiplexer paths includingan input multiplexer BC311 and an output multiplexer BC312. Themultiplexer paths include a number of on-module paths (shown) thatinclude a tunable input impedance matching component BC1016, the inputmultiplexer BC311, a bandpass filter BC313 a-BC313 d, a tunableimpedance matching component BC934 a-BC934 d, an amplifier BC314 a-BC314d, a tunable phase-shift component BC724 a-BC724 d, the outputmultiplexer BC312, and a tunable output impedance matching componentBC1017. The multiplexer paths may include one or more off-module paths(not shown) as described herein. As also described herein, theamplifiers BC314 a-BC314 d may be variable-gain amplifiers and/orvariable-current amplifiers.

The DRx controller BC1102 is configured to selectively activate one ormore of the plurality of paths between the input and the output. In someimplementations, the DRx controller BC1102 is configured to selectivelyactivate one or more of the plurality of paths based on a band selectsignal received by the DRx controller BC1102 (e.g., from acommunications controller). The DRx controller BC902 may selectivelyactivate the paths by, for example, enabling or disabling the amplifiersBC314 a-BC314 d, controlling the multiplexers BC311, BC312, or throughother mechanisms as described herein. In some implementations, the DRxcontroller BC1102 is configured to send an amplifier control signal toone or more amplifiers BC314 a-BC314 d respectively disposed along theone or more activated paths. The amplifier control signal controls thegain (or current) of the amplifier to which it is sent.

The DRx controller BC1102 is configured to tune one or more of thetunable input impedance matching component BC1016, the tunable impedancematching components BC934 a-BC934 d, the tunable phase-shift componentsBC724 a-BC724 d, and the tunable output impedance matching componentBC1017. For example, the DRx controller BC1102 may tune the tunablecomponents based on a lookup table that associates frequency bands (orsets of frequency bands) indicated by the band select signal with tuningparameters. Accordingly, in response to a band select signal, the DRxcontroller BC1101 may transmit a tuning signal to the tunable components(of active paths) to tune the tunable components (or the variablecomponents thereof) according to the tuning parameters. In someimplementations, the DRx controller BC1102 tunes the tunable componentsbased, at least in part, on the amplifier control signals transmitted tocontrol the gain and/or current of the amplifiers BC314 a-BC314 d. Invarious implementations, one or more of the tunable components may bereplaced by fixed components that are not controlled by the DRxcontroller BC1102.

It is to be appreciated that the tuning of one of the tunable componentsmay affect the tuning of other tunable components. Thus, the tuningparameters in a lookup table for a first tunable component may be basedon the tuning parameters for a second tunable component. For example,the tuning parameters for the tunable phase-shift components BC724a-BC724 d may be based on the tuning parameters for the tunableimpedance matching components BC934 a-BC934 d. As another example, thetuning parameters for the tunable impedance matching components BC934a-BC934 d may be based on the tuning parameters for the tunable inputimpedance matching component BC1016.

FIG. 19 shows an embodiment of a flowchart representation of a method ofprocessing an RF signal. In some implementations (and as detailed belowas an example), the method BC1200 is performed by a controller, such asthe DRx controller BC1102 of FIG. 18. In some implementations, themethod BC1200 is performed by processing logic, including hardware,firmware, software, or a combination thereof. In some implementations,the method BC1200 is performed by a processor executing code stored in anon-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., a memory). Briefly, themethod BC1200 includes receiving a band select signal and routing areceived RF signal along one or more tuned paths to process the receivedRF signal.

The method BC1200 begins, at block BC1210, with the controller receivinga band select signal. The controller may receive the band select signalfrom another controller or may receive the band select signal from acellular base station or other external source. The band select signalmay indicate one or more frequency bands over which a wireless device isto transmit and receive RF signals. In some implementations, the bandselect signal indicates a set of frequency bands for carrier aggregationcommunication.

At block BC1220, the controller selectively activates one or more pathsof a diversity receiver (DRx) module based on the band select signal. Asdescribed herein, a DRx module may include a number of paths between oneor more inputs (coupled to one or more antennas) and one or more outputs(coupled to one or more transmission lines) of the DRx module. The pathsmay include bypass paths and multiplexer paths. The multiplexer pathsmay include on-module paths and off-module paths.

The controller may selectively activate one or more of the plurality ofpaths by, for example, opening or closing one or more bypass switches,enabling or disabling amplifiers disposed along the paths via anamplifier enable signal, controlling one or more multiplexers via asplitter control signal and/or a combiner control signal, or throughother mechanisms. For example, the controller may open or close switchesdisposed along the paths or set the gain of the amplifiers disposedalong the paths to substantially zero.

At block BC1230, the controller sends a tuning signal to one or moretunable components disposed along the one or more activated paths. Thetunable components may include one or more of a tunable impedancematching component disposed at the input of the DRx module, a pluralityof tunable impedance matching components respectively disposed along theplurality of paths, a plurality of tunable phase-shift componentsrespectively disposed along the plurality of paths, or a tunable outputimpedance matching component disposed at the output of the DRx module.

The controller may tune the tunable components based on a lookup tablethat associates frequency bands (or sets of frequency bands) indicatedby the band select signal with tuning parameters. Accordingly, inresponse to a band select signal, the DRx controller may transmit atuning signal to the tunable components (of active paths) to tune thetunable components (or the variable components thereof) according to thetuning parameters. In some implementations, the controller tunes thetunable components based, at least in part, on amplifier control signalstransmitted to control the gain and/or current of one or more amplifiersrespectively disposed along the one or more activated paths.

Among others, the foregoing Example B related to phase-shiftingcomponents can be summarized as follows.

In accordance with some implementations, the present disclosure relatesto a receiving system including a controller configured to selectivelyactivate one or more of a plurality of paths between an input of thereceiving system and an output of the receiving system. The receivingsystem further includes a plurality of amplifiers. Each one of theplurality of amplifiers is disposed along a corresponding one of theplurality of paths and is configured to amplify a signal received at theamplifier. The receiving system further includes a plurality ofphase-shift components. Each one of the plurality of phase-shiftcomponents is disposed along a corresponding one of the plurality ofpaths and is configured to phase-shift a signal passing through thephase-shift component.

In some embodiments, a first phase-shift component of the plurality ofphase-shift components disposed along a first path of the plurality ofpaths corresponding to a first frequency band can be configured tophase-shift a second frequency band of a signal passing through thefirst phase-shift component such that a second initial signal propagatedalong a second path of the plurality of paths corresponding to thesecond frequency band and a second reflected signal propagated along thefirst path are at least partially in-phase.

In some embodiments, a second phase-shift component of the plurality ofphase-shift components disposed along the second path can be configuredto phase-shift the first frequency band of a signal passing through thesecond phase-shift component such that a first initial signal propagatedalong the first path and a first reflected signal propagated along thesecond path are at least partially in-phase.

In some embodiments, the first phase-shift component can be furtherconfigured to phase-shift a third frequency band of a signal passingthrough the first phase-shift component such that a third initial signalpropagated along a third path of the plurality of paths corresponding tothe third frequency band and a third reflected signal propagated alongthe first path are at least partially in-phase.

In some embodiments, the first phase-shift component can be configuredto phase-shift the second frequency band of a signal passing through thefirst phase-shift component such that the second initial signal and thesecond reflected signal have a phase difference of an integer multipleof 360 degrees.

In some embodiments, the receiving system can further include amultiplexer configured to split an input signal received at the inputinto a plurality of signals at a respective plurality of frequency bandspropagated along the plurality of paths. In some embodiment, thereceiving system can further include a signal combiner configured tocombine signals propagating along the plurality of paths. In someembodiments, the receiving system can further include a post-combineramplifier disposed between the signal combiner and the output, thepost-combiner amplifier configured to amplify a signal received at thepost-combiner amplifier. In some embodiments, each one of the pluralityof phase-shift components can be disposed between the signal combinerand a respective one of the plurality of amplifiers. In someembodiments, at least one of the plurality of amplifiers can include adual-stage amplifier.

In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of phase-shiftcomponents can be a passive circuit. In some embodiments, at least oneof the plurality of phase-shift components can be an LC circuit.

In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of phase-shiftcomponents can include a tunable phase-shift component configured tophase-shift a signal passing through the tunable phase-shift componentan amount controlled by a phase-shift tuning signal received from thecontroller.

In some embodiments, the receiving system can further include aplurality of impedance matching components, each one of the impedancematching components disposed along a corresponding one of the pluralityof paths and configured to decrease at least one of an out-of-band noisefigure or an out-of-band gain of the corresponding one of the pluralityof paths.

In some implementations, the present disclosure relates to aradio-frequency (RF) module that includes a packaging substrateconfigured to receive a plurality of components. The RF module furtherincludes a receiving system implemented on the packaging substrate. Thereceiving system includes a controller configured to selectivelyactivate one or more of a plurality of paths between an input of thereceiving system and an output of the receiving system. The receivingsystem further includes a plurality of amplifiers. Each one of theplurality of amplifiers is disposed along a corresponding one of theplurality of paths and is configured to amplify a signal received at theamplifier. The receiving system further includes a plurality ofphase-shift components. Each one of the plurality of phase-shiftcomponents is disposed along a corresponding one of the plurality ofpaths and is configured to phase-shift a signal passing through thephase-shift component.

In some embodiments, the RF module can be a diversity receiver front-endmodule (FEM).

In some embodiments, a first phase-shift component of the plurality ofphase-shift components disposed along a first path of the plurality ofpaths corresponding to a first frequency band is configured tophase-shift the second frequency band of a signal passing through thefirst phase-shift component such that a second initial signal propagatedalong a second path of the plurality of paths corresponding to thesecond frequency band and a second reflected signal propagated along thefirst path are at least partially in-phase.

According to some teachings, the present disclosure relates to awireless device that includes a first antenna configured to receive afirst radio-frequency (RF) signal. The wireless device further includesa first front-end module (FEM) in communication with the first antenna.The first FEM including a packaging substrate configured to receive aplurality of components. The first FEM further includes a receivingsystem implemented on the packaging substrate. The receiving systemincludes a controller configured to selectively activate one or more ofa plurality of paths between an input of the receiving system and anoutput of the receiving system. The receiving system further includes aplurality of amplifiers. Each one of the plurality of amplifiers isdisposed along a corresponding one of the plurality of paths and isconfigured to amplify a signal received at the amplifier. The receivingsystem further includes a plurality of phase-shift components. Each oneof the plurality of phase-shift components is disposed along acorresponding one of the plurality of paths and is configured tophase-shift a signal passing through the phase-shift component. Thewireless device further includes a transceiver configured to receive aprocessed version of the first RF signal from the output via atransmission line and generate data bits based on the processed versionof the first RF signal.

In some embodiments, the wireless device can further include a secondantenna configured to receive a second radio-frequency (RF) signal and asecond FEM in communication with the first antenna. The transceiver canbe configured to receive a processed version of the second RF signalfrom an output of the second FEM and generate the data bits based on theprocessed version of the second RF signal.

In some embodiments, a first phase-shift component of the plurality ofphase-shift components disposed along a first path of the plurality ofpaths corresponding to a first frequency band is configured tophase-shift the second frequency band of a signal passing through thefirst phase-shift component such that a second initial signal propagatedalong a second path of the plurality of paths corresponding to thesecond frequency band and a second reflected signal propagated along thefirst path are at least partially in-phase.

Example C: Impedance-Shifting Components

FIG. 15 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration C800 may include a DRx module C810 with one or moreimpedance matching components C834 a-C834 b. The DRx module C810includes two paths from an input of the DRx module C810, coupled to anantenna 140, and an output of the DRx module C810, coupled to atransmission line 135.

In the DRx module C810 of FIG. 15 (as in the DRx module B610 of FIG.11), the signal splitter and bandpass filters are implemented as adiplexer C611. The diplexer C611 includes an input coupled to theantenna, a first output coupled to a first impedance matching componentC834 a, and a second output coupled to a second impedance matchingcomponent C834 b. At the first output, the diplexer C611 outputs asignal received at the input (e.g., from the antenna 140) filtered to afirst frequency band. At the second output, the diplexer C611 outputsthe signal received at the input filtered to a second frequency band.

Each of the impedance matching components C834 a-C634 d is disposedbetween the diplexer C611 and an amplifier C314 a-C314 b. As describedherein, each one of the amplifiers C314 a-C314 b is disposed along acorresponding one of the paths and is configured to amplify a signalreceived at the amplifier. The output of the amplifiers C314 a-C314 bare fed to a signal combiner C612.

The signal combiner C612 includes a first input coupled to the firstamplifier C314 a, a second input coupled to second amplifier C314 b, andan output coupled to the output of the DRx module C610. The signal atthe output of the signal combiner is a sum of the signals at the firstinput and the second input.

When a signal is received by the antenna 140, the signal is filtered bythe diplexer C611 to a first frequency band and propagated along thefirst path through the first amplifier C314 a. Similarly, the signal isfiltered by the diplexer C611 to a second frequency band and propagatedalong the second path through the second amplifier C314 b.

Each of the paths may be characterized by a noise figure and a gain. Thenoise figure of each path is a representation of the degradation of thesignal-to-noise ratio (SNR) caused by the amplifier and impedancematching component disposed along the path. In particular, the noisefigure of each path is the difference in decibels (dB) between the SNRat the input of the impedance matching component C834 a-C834 b and theSNR at the output of the amplifier C314 a-C314 b. Thus, the noise figureis a measure of the difference between the noise output of the amplifierto the noise output of an “ideal” amplifier (that does not producenoise) with the same gain. Similarly, the gain for each path is arepresentation of the gain caused by the amplifier and the impedancematching component disposed along the path.

The noise figure and gain of each path may be different for differentfrequency bands. For example, the first path may have an in-band noisefigure and in-band gain for the first frequency band and an out-of-bandnoise figure and out-of-band gain for the second frequency band.Similarly, the second path may have an in-band noise figure and in-bandgain for the second frequency band and an out-of-band noise figure andout-of-band gain for the first frequency band.

The DRx module C810 may also be characterized by a noise figure and again which may be different for different frequency bands. Inparticular, the noise figure of the DRx module C810 is the difference indB between the SNR at the input of the DRx module C810 and the SNR atthe output of the DRx module C810.

The noise figure and gain of each path (at each frequency band) maydepend, at least in part, on the impedance (at each frequency band) ofthe impedance matching component C834 a-C834 b. Accordingly, it may beadvantageous that the impedance of the impedance matching component C834a-C834 b is such that the in-band noise figure of each path is minimizedand/or the in-band gain of each path is maximized. Thus, in someimplementations, each of the impedance matching components C834 a-C834 bis configured to decrease the in-band noise figure of its respectivepath and/or increase the in-band gain of its respective path (ascompared to a DRx module lacking such impedance matching components C834a-C834 b).

Because the signal propagating along the two paths are combined by thesignal combiner C612, out-of-band noise produced or amplified by anamplifier can negatively affect the combined signal. For example,out-of-band noise produced or amplified by the first amplifier C314 amay increase the noise figure of the DRx module C810 at the secondfrequency. Accordingly, it may be advantageous that the impedance of theimpedance matching component C834 a-C834 b is such that the out-of-bandnoise figure of each path is minimized and/or the out-of-band gain ofeach path is minimized. Thus, in some implementations, each of theimpedance matching component C834 a-C834 b is configured to decrease theout-of-band noise figure of its respective path and/or decrease theout-of-band gain of its respective path (as compared to a DRx modulelacking such impedance matching components C834 a-C834 b).

The impedance matching components C834 a-C834 b may be implemented aspassive circuits. In particular, the impedance matching components C834a-C834 b may be implemented as RLC circuits and include one or morepassive components, such as resistors, inductors and/or capacitors. Thepassive components may be connected in parallel and/or in series and maybe connected between the outputs of the diplexer C611 and the inputs ofthe amplifiers C314 a-C314 b or may be connected between the outputs ofthe diplexer C611 and a ground voltage. In some implementations, theimpedance matching components C834 a-C834 b are integrated into the samedie as the amplifiers C314 a-C314 b or on the same package.

As noted herein, for a particular path, it may be advantageous that theimpedance of the impedance matching component C834 a-C834 b is such thatthe in-band noise figure is minimized, the in-band gain is maximized,the out-of-band noise figure is minimized, and the out-of-band gain isminimized. Designing an impedance matching component C834 a-C834 b toachieve all four of these goals with only two degrees of freedom (e.g.,the impedance at the first frequency band and the impedance at thesecond frequency band) or other various constraints (e.g., componentnumber, cost, die space) may be challenging. Accordingly, in someimplementations, an in-band metric of the in-band noise figure minus thein-band gain is minimized and an out-of-band metric of the out-of-bandnoise figure plus the out-of-band gain is minimized. Designing animpedance matching component C834 a-C834 b to achieve both of thesegoals with various constraints may still be challenging. Thus, in someimplementations, the in-band metric is minimized subject to a set ofconstraints and the out-of-band metric is minimized subject to the setof constraints and the additional constraint that the in-band metric notbe increased by more than a threshold amount (e.g., 0.1 dB, 0.2 dB, 0.5dB or any other value). Accordingly, the impedance matching component isconfigured to reduce an in-band metric of the in-band noise figure minusthe in-band gain to within a threshold amount of an in-band metricminimum, e.g., the minimum possible in-band metric subject to anyconstraints. The impedance matching component is further configured toreduce an out-of-band metric of the out-of-band noise figure plus theout-of-band gain to an in-band-constrained out-of-band minimum, e.g.,the minimum possible out-of-band metric subject to the additionalconstraint that the in-band metric not be increased by more than athreshold amount. In some implementations, a composite metric of thein-band metric (weighted by an in-band factor) plus the out-of-bandmetric (weighted by an out-of-band factor) is minimized subject to anyconstraints.

Thus, in some implementations, each of the impedance matching componentsC834 a-C834 b is configured to decrease the in-band metric (the in-bandnoise figure minus the in-band gain) of its respective path (e.g., bydecreasing the in-band noise figure, increasing the in-band gain, orboth). In some implementations, each of the impedance matchingcomponents C834 a-C834 b is further configured to decrease theout-of-band metric (the out-of-band noise figure plus the out-of-bandgain) of its respective path (e.g., by decreasing the out-of-band noisefigure, decreasing the out-of-band gain, or both).

In some implementations, by decreasing the out-of-band metrics, theimpedance matching components C834 a-C834 b decreases the noise figureof the DRx module C810 at one or more of the frequency bands withoutsubstantially increasing the noise figure at other frequency bands.

FIG. 16 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration C900 may include a DRx module C910 with tunable impedancematching components C934 a-C934 d. Each of the tunable impedancematching components C934 a-C934 d may be configured to present animpedance controlled by an impedance tuning signal received from a DRxcontroller C902.

The diversity receiver configuration C900 includes a DRx module C910having an input coupled to an antenna 140 and an output coupled to atransmission line 135. The DRx module C910 includes a number of pathsbetween the input and the output of the DRx module C910. In someimplementations, the DRx module C910 includes one or more bypass paths(not shown) between the inputs and the output activated by one or morebypass switches controlled by the DRx controller C902.

The DRx module C910 includes a number of multiplexer paths including aninput multiplexer C311 and an output multiplexer 312. The multiplexerpaths include a number of on-module paths (shown) that include the inputmultiplexer C311, a bandpass filter C313 a-C313 d, a tunable impedancematching component C934 a-C934 d, an amplifier C314 a-C314 d, and theoutput multiplexer C312. The multiplexer paths may include one or moreoff-module paths (not shown) as described herein. As also describedherein, the amplifiers C314 a-C314 d may be variable-gain amplifiersand/or variable-current amplifiers.

The tunable impedance matching components C934 a-C934 b may be a tunableT-circuit, a tunable PI-circuit, or any other tunable matching circuit.The tunable impedance matching components C934 a-C934 d may include oneor more variable components, such as resistors, inductors, andcapacitors. The variable components may be connected in parallel and/orin series and may be connected between the outputs of the inputmultiplexer C311 and the inputs of the amplifiers C314 a-C314 d or maybe connected between the outputs of the input multiplexer C311 and aground voltage.

The DRx controller C902 is configured to selectively activate one ormore of the plurality of paths between the input and the output. In someimplementations, the DRx controller C902 is configured to selectivelyactivate one or more of the plurality of paths based on a band selectsignal received by the DRx controller C902 (e.g., from a communicationscontroller). The DRx controller C902 may selectively activate the pathsby, for example, enabling or disabling the amplifiers C314 a-C314 d,controlling the multiplexers C311, C312, or through other mechanisms asdescribed herein.

In some implementations, the DRx controller C902 is configured to tunethe tunable impedance matching components C934 a-C934 d. In someimplementations, the DRx controller C702 tunes the tunable impedancematching components C934 a-C934 d based on the band select signal. Forexample, the DRx controller C902 may tune the tunable impedance matchingcomponents C934 a-C934 d based on a lookup table that associatesfrequency bands (or sets of frequency bands) indicated by the bandselect signal with tuning parameters. Accordingly, in response to a bandselect signal, the DRx controller C902 may transmit a impedance tuningsignal to the tunable impedance matching component C934 a-C934 d of eachactive path to tune the tunable impedance matching component (or thevariable components thereof) according to the tuning parameters.

In some implementations, the DRx controller C902 tunes the tunableimpedance matching components C934 a-C934 d based, at least in part, onthe amplifier control signals transmitted to control the gain and/orcurrent of the amplifiers C314 a-C314 d.

In some implementations, the DRx controller C902 is configured to tunethe tunable impedance matching components C934 a-C934 d of each activepath such that the in-band noise figure is minimized (or reduced), thein-band gain is maximized (or increased), the out-of-band noise figurefor each other active path is minimized (or reduced), and/or theout-of-band gain for each other active path is minimized (or reduced).

In some implementations, the DRx controller C902 is configured to tunethe tunable impedance matching components C934 a-C934 d of each activepath such that the in-band metric (the in-band noise figure minus thein-band gain) is minimized (or reduced) and the out-of-band metric (theout-of-band noise figure plus the out-of-band gain) for each otheractive path is minimized (or reduced).

In some implementations, the DRx controller C902 is configured to tunethe tunable impedance matching components C934 a-C934 d of each activepath such that in-band metric is minimized (or reduced) subject to a setof constraints and the out-of-band metric for each of the other activepaths is minimized (or reduced) subject to the set of constraints andthe additional constraints that the in-band metric not be increased bymore than a threshold amount (e.g., 0.1 dB, 0.2 dB, 0.5 dB or any othervalue).

Thus, in some implementations, the DRx controller C902 is configured totune the tunable impedance matching components C934 a-C934 d of eachactive path such that the tunable impedance matching component reducesan in-band metric of the in-band noise figure minus the in-band gain towithin a threshold amount of an in-band metric minimum, e.g., theminimum possible in-band metric subject to any constraints. The DRxcontroller C902 may be further configured to tune the tunable impedancematching components C934 a-C934 d of each active path such that thetunable impedance matching component reduce an out-of-band metric of theout-of-band noise figure plus the out-of-band gain to anin-band-constrained out-of-band minimum, e.g., the minimum possibleout-of-band metric subject to the additional constraint that the in-bandmetric not be increased by more than a threshold amount.

In some implementations, the DRx controller C902 is configured to tunethe tunable impedance matching components C934 a-C934 d of each activepath such that a composite metric of the in-band metric (weighted by anin-band factor) plus the out-of-band metric for each of the other activepaths (weighted by an out-of-band factor for each of the other activepaths) is minimized (or reduced) subject to any constraints.

The DRx controller C902 may tune the variable components of the tunableimpedance matching components C934 a-C934 d to have different values fordifferent sets of frequency bands.

In some implementations, the tunable impedance matching components C934a-C934 d are replaced with fixed impedance matching components that arenot tunable or controlled by the DRx controller C902. Each one of theimpedance matching components disposed along a corresponding one of thepaths corresponding to one frequency band may be configured to reduce(or minimize) the in-band metric for the one frequency band and reduce(or minimize) the out-of-band metric for one or more of the otherfrequency bands (e.g., each of the other frequency bands).

For example, the third impedance matching component C934 c may be fixedand configured to (1) reduce the in-band metric for the third frequencyband, (2) reduce the out-of-band metric for the first frequency band,(3) reduce the out-of-band metric for the second frequency band, and/or(4) reduce the out-of-band metric of the fourth frequency band. Theother impedance matching components may be similarly fixed andconfigured.

Thus, the DRx module C910 includes a DRx controller C902 configured toselectively one or more of a plurality of paths between an input of theDRx module C910 and an output of the DRx module C910. The DRx moduleC910 further includes plurality of amplifiers C314 a-C314 d, each one ofthe plurality of amplifiers C314 a-C314 d disposed along a correspondingone of the plurality of paths and configured to amplify a signalreceived at the amplifier. The DRx module further includes a pluralityof impedance matching components C934 a-C934 d, each one of theplurality of phase-shift components C934 a-C934 d disposed along acorresponding one of the plurality of paths and configured to reduce atleast one of an out-of-band noise figure or an out-of-band gain of theone of the plurality of paths.

In some implementations, the first impedance matching component C934 ais disposed along a first path corresponding to a first frequency band(e.g., the frequency band of the first bandpass filter C313 a) and isconfigured to reduce at least one of an out-of-band noise figure or anout-of-band gain for a second frequency band (e.g., the frequency bandof the second bandpass filter C313 b) corresponding to a second path.

In some implementations, the first impedance matching component C934 ais further configured to reduce at least one of an out-of-band noisefigure or an out-of-band gain for a third frequency band (e.g., thefrequency band of the third bandpass filter C313 c) corresponding to thethird path.

Similarly, in some implementations, the second impedance matchingcomponent C934 b disposed along the second path is configured to reduceat least one of an out-of-band noise figure or an out-of-band gain forthe first frequency band.

FIG. 17 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration BC1000 may include a DRx module BC1010 with tunableimpedance matching components disposed at the input and output. The DRxmodule BC1010 may include one or more tunable impedance matchingcomponents disposed at one or more of the input and the output of theDRx module BC1010. In particular, the DRx module BC1010 may include aninput tunable impedance matching component BC1016 disposed at the inputof the DRx module BC1010, an output tunable impedance matching componentBC1017 disposed at the output of the DRx module BC1010, or both.

Multiple frequency bands received on the same diversity antenna 140 areunlikely to all see an ideal impedance match. To match each frequencyband using a compact matching circuit, a tunable input impedancematching component BC1016 may be implemented at the input of the DRxmodule BC1010 and controlled by the DRx controller BC1002 (e.g., basedon a band select signal from a communications controller). For example,the DRx controller BC1002 may tune the tunable input impedance matchingcomponent BC1016 based on a lookup table that associates frequency bands(or sets of frequency bands) indicated by the band select signal withtuning parameters. Accordingly, in response to a band select signal, theDRx controller BC1002 may transmit an input impedance tuning signal tothe tunable input impedance matching component BC1016 to tune thetunable input impedance matching component (or the variable componentsthereof) according to the tuning parameters.

The tunable input impedance matching component BC1016 may be a tunableT-circuit, a tunable PI-circuit, or any other tunable matching circuit.In particular, the tunable input impedance matching component BC1016 mayinclude one or more variable components, such as resistors, inductors,and capacitors. The variable components may be connected in paralleland/or in series and may be connected between the input of the DRxmodule BC1010 and the input of the first multiplexer BC311 or may beconnected between the input of the DRx module BC1010 and a groundvoltage.

Similarly, with only one transmission line 135 (or, at least, fewtransmission lines) carrying signals of many frequency bands, it is notlikely that multiple frequency bands will all see an ideal impedancematch. To match each frequency band using a compact matching circuit, atunable output impedance matching component BC1017 may be implemented atthe output of the DRx module BC1010 and controlled by the DRx controllerBC1002 (e.g., based on a band select signal from a communicationscontroller). For example, the DRx controller BC1002 may tune the tunableoutput impedance matching component BC1017 based on a lookup table thatassociates frequency bands (or sets of frequency bands) indicated by theband select signal with tuning parameters. Accordingly, in response to aband select signal, the DRx controller BC1002 may transmit an outputimpedance tuning signal to the tunable output impedance matchingcomponent BC1017 to tune the tunable output impedance matching component(or the variable components thereof) according to the tuning parameters.

The tunable output impedance matching component BC1017 may be a tunableT-circuit, a tunable PI-circuit, or any other tunable matching circuit.In particular, the tunable output impedance matching component BC1017may include one or more variable components, such as resistors,inductors, and capacitors. The variable components may be connected inparallel and/or in series and may be connected between the output of thesecond multiplexer BC312 and the output of the DRx module BC1010 or maybe connected between the output of the second multiplexer BC312 and aground voltage.

FIG. 18 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration BC1100 may include a DRx module BC1110 with multipletunable components. The diversity receiver configuration BC1100 includesa DRx module BC1110 having an input coupled to an antenna 140 and anoutput coupled to a transmission line 135. The DRx module BC1110includes a number of paths between the input and the output of the DRxmodule BC1110. In some implementations, the DRx module BC1110 includesone or more bypass paths (not shown) between the inputs and the outputactivated by one or more bypass switches controlled by the DRxcontroller BC1102.

The DRx module BC1110 includes a number of multiplexer paths includingan input multiplexer BC311 and an output multiplexer BC312. Themultiplexer paths include a number of on-module paths (shown) thatinclude a tunable input impedance matching component BC1016, the inputmultiplexer BC311, a bandpass filter BC313 a-BC313 d, a tunableimpedance matching component BC934 a-BC934 d, an amplifier BC314 a-BC314d, a tunable phase-shift component BC724 a-BC724 d, the outputmultiplexer BC312, and a tunable output impedance matching componentBC1017. The multiplexer paths may include one or more off-module paths(not shown) as described herein. As also described herein, theamplifiers BC314 a-BC314 d may be variable-gain amplifiers and/orvariable-current amplifiers.

The DRx controller BC1102 is configured to selectively activate one ormore of the plurality of paths between the input and the output. In someimplementations, the DRx controller BC1102 is configured to selectivelyactivate one or more of the plurality of paths based on a band selectsignal received by the DRx controller BC1102 (e.g., from acommunications controller). The DRx controller BC902 may selectivelyactivate the paths by, for example, enabling or disabling the amplifiersBC314 a-BC314 d, controlling the multiplexers BC311, BC312, or throughother mechanisms as described herein. In some implementations, the DRxcontroller BC1102 is configured to send an amplifier control signal toone or more amplifiers BC314 a-BC314 d respectively disposed along theone or more activated paths. The amplifier control signal controls thegain (or current) of the amplifier to which it is sent.

The DRx controller BC1102 is configured to tune one or more of thetunable input impedance matching component BC1016, the tunable impedancematching components BC934 a-BC934 d, the tunable phase-shift componentsBC724 a-BC724 d, and the tunable output impedance matching componentBC1017. For example, the DRx controller BC1102 may tune the tunablecomponents based on a lookup table that associates frequency bands (orsets of frequency bands) indicated by the band select signal with tuningparameters. Accordingly, in response to a band select signal, the DRxcontroller BC1101 may transmit a tuning signal to the tunable components(of active paths) to tune the tunable components (or the variablecomponents thereof) according to the tuning parameters. In someimplementations, the DRx controller BC1102 tunes the tunable componentsbased, at least in part, on the amplifier control signals transmitted tocontrol the gain and/or current of the amplifiers BC314 a-BC314 d. Invarious implementations, one or more of the tunable components may bereplaced by fixed components that are not controlled by the DRxcontroller BC1102.

It is to be appreciated that the tuning of one of the tunable componentsmay affect the tuning of other tunable components. Thus, the tuningparameters in a lookup table for a first tunable component may be basedon the tuning parameters for a second tunable component. For example,the tuning parameters for the tunable phase-shift components BC724a-BC724 d may be based on the tuning parameters for the tunableimpedance matching components BC934 a-BC934 d. As another example, thetuning parameters for the tunable impedance matching components BC934a-BC934 d may be based on the tuning parameters for the tunable inputimpedance matching component BC1016.

FIG. 19 shows an embodiment of a flowchart representation of a method ofprocessing an RF signal. In some implementations (and as detailed belowas an example), the method BC1200 is performed by a controller, such asthe DRx controller BC1102 of FIG. 18. In some implementations, themethod BC1200 is performed by processing logic, including hardware,firmware, software, or a combination thereof. In some implementations,the method BC1200 is performed by a processor executing code stored in anon-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., a memory). Briefly, themethod BC1200 includes receiving a band select signal and routing areceived RF signal along one or more tuned paths to process the receivedRF signal.

The method BC1200 begins, at block BC1210, with the controller receivinga band select signal. The controller may receive the band select signalfrom another controller or may receive the band select signal from acellular base station or other external source. The band select signalmay indicate one or more frequency bands over which a wireless device isto transmit and receive RF signals. In some implementations, the bandselect signal indicates a set of frequency bands for carrier aggregationcommunication.

At block BC1220, the controller selectively activates one or more pathsof a diversity receiver (DRx) module based on the band select signal. Asdescribed herein, a DRx module may include a number of paths between oneor more inputs (coupled to one or more antennas) and one or more outputs(coupled to one or more transmission lines) of the DRx module. The pathsmay include bypass paths and multiplexer paths. The multiplexer pathsmay include on-module paths and off-module paths.

The controller may selectively activate one or more of the plurality ofpaths by, for example, opening or closing one or more bypass switches,enabling or disabling amplifiers disposed along the paths via anamplifier enable signal, controlling one or more multiplexers via asplitter control signal and/or a combiner control signal, or throughother mechanisms. For example, the controller may open or close switchesdisposed along the paths or set the gain of the amplifiers disposedalong the paths to substantially zero.

At block BC1230, the controller sends a tuning signal to one or moretunable components disposed along the one or more activated paths. Thetunable components may include one or more of a tunable impedancematching component disposed at the input of the DRx module, a pluralityof tunable impedance matching components respectively disposed along theplurality of paths, a plurality of tunable phase-shift componentsrespectively disposed along the plurality of paths, or a tunable outputimpedance matching component disposed at the output of the DRx module.

The controller may tune the tunable components based on a lookup tablethat associates frequency bands (or sets of frequency bands) indicatedby the band select signal with tuning parameters. Accordingly, inresponse to a band select signal, the DRx controller may transmit atuning signal to the tunable components (of active paths) to tune thetunable components (or the variable components thereof) according to thetuning parameters. In some implementations, the controller tunes thetunable components based, at least in part, on amplifier control signalstransmitted to control the gain and/or current of one or more amplifiersrespectively disposed along the one or more activated paths.

Among others, the foregoing Example C related to impedance-shiftingcomponents can be summarized as follows.

In accordance with some implementations, the present disclosure relatesto a receiving system including a controller configured to selectivelyactivate one or more of a plurality of paths between an input of thereceiving system and an output of the receiving system. The receivingsystem further includes a plurality of amplifiers. Each one of theplurality of amplifiers is disposed along a corresponding one of theplurality of paths and is configured to amplify a signal received at theamplifier. The receiving system further includes a plurality ofimpedance matching components. Each one of the plurality of impedancematching components is disposed along a corresponding one of theplurality of paths and is configured to reduce at least one of anout-of-band noise figure or an out-of-band gain of the one of theplurality of paths.

In some embodiments, a first impedance matching component of theplurality of impedance matching components disposed along a first pathof the plurality of paths corresponding to a first frequency band can beconfigured to reduce at least one of an out-of-band noise figure or anout-of-band gain for a second frequency band corresponding to a secondpath of the plurality of paths.

In some embodiments, a second impedance matching component of theplurality of impedance matching components disposed along the secondpath can be configured to reduce at least one of an out-of-band noisefigure or an out-of-band gain for the first frequency band. In someembodiments, the first impedance matching component can be furtherconfigured to reduce at least one of an out-of-band noise figure or anout-of-band gain for a third frequency band corresponding to a thirdpath of the plurality of paths.

In some embodiments, the first impedance matching component can befurther configured to reduce at least one of an in-band noise figure orincrease an in-band gain for the first frequency band. In someembodiments, the first impedance matching component can be configured toreduce an in-band metric of the in-band noise figure minus the in-bandgain to within a threshold amount of an in-band metric minimum. In someembodiments, the first impedance matching component can be configured toreduce an out-of-band metric of the out-of-band noise figure plus theout-of-band gain to an in-band-constrained out-of-band minimum.

In some embodiments, the receiving system can further include amultiplexer configured to split an input signal received at the inputinto a plurality of signals at a respective plurality of frequency bandspropagated along the plurality of paths. In some embodiments, each oneof the plurality of impedance matching components can be disposedbetween the multiplexer and a respective one of the plurality ofamplifiers. In some embodiments, the receiving system can furtherinclude a signal combiner configured to combine signals propagatingalong the plurality of paths.

In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of impedancecomponents can be a passive circuit. In some embodiments, at least oneof the plurality of impedance matching components can be an RLC circuit.

In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of impedance matchingcomponents can include a tunable impedance matching component configuredto present an impedance controlled by an impedance tuning signalreceived from the controller.

In some embodiments, a first impedance matching component disposed alonga first path of the plurality of paths corresponding to a firstfrequency band can be further configured to phase-shift the secondfrequency band of a signal passing through the first impedance matchingcomponent such that an initial signal propagated along a second path ofthe plurality of paths corresponding to the second frequency band and areflected signal propagated along the first path are at least partiallyin-phase.

In some implementations, the present disclosure relates to aradio-frequency (RF) module that includes a packaging substrateconfigured to receive a plurality of components. The RF module furtherincludes a receiving system implemented on the packaging substrate. Thereceiving system includes a controller configured to selectivelyactivate one or more of a plurality of paths between an input of thereceiving system and an output of the receiving system. The receivingsystem further includes a plurality of amplifiers. Each one of theplurality of amplifiers is disposed along a corresponding one of theplurality of paths and is configured to amplify a signal received at theamplifier. The receiving system further includes a plurality ofimpedance matching components. Each one of the plurality of impedancematching components is disposed along a corresponding one of theplurality of paths and is configured to reduce at least one of anout-of-band noise figure or an out-of-band gain of the one of theplurality of paths. In some embodiments, the RF module can be adiversity receiver front-end module (FEM).

In some embodiments, a first impedance matching component of theplurality of impedance matching components disposed along a first pathof the plurality of paths corresponding to a first frequency band can beconfigured to reduce at least one of an out-of-band noise figure or anout-of-band gain for a second frequency band corresponding to a secondpath of the plurality of paths.

According to some teachings, the present disclosure relates to awireless device that includes a first antenna configured to receive afirst radio-frequency (RF) signal. The wireless device further includesa first front-end module (FEM) in communication with the first antenna.The first FEM including a packaging substrate configured to receive aplurality of components. The first FEM further includes a receivingsystem implemented on the packaging substrate. The receiving systemincludes a controller configured to selectively activate one or more ofa plurality of paths between an input of the receiving system and anoutput of the receiving system. The receiving system further includes aplurality of amplifiers. Each one of the plurality of amplifiers isdisposed along a corresponding one of the plurality of paths and isconfigured to amplify a signal received at the amplifier. The receivingsystem further includes a plurality of impedance matching components.Each one of the plurality of impedance matching components is disposedalong a corresponding one of the plurality of paths and is configured toreduce at least one of an out-of-band noise figure or an out-of-bandgain of the one of the plurality of paths. The wireless device furtherincludes a transceiver configured to receive a processed version of thefirst RF signal from the output via a transmission line and generatedata bits based on the processed version of the first RF signal.

In some embodiments, the wireless device can further include a secondantenna configured to receive a second radio-frequency (RF) signal and asecond FEM in communication with the first antenna. The transceiver canbe configured to receive a processed version of the second RF signalfrom an output of the second FEM and generate the data bits based on theprocessed version of the second RF signal.

In some embodiments, a first impedance matching component of theplurality of impedance matching components disposed along a first pathof the plurality of paths corresponding to a first frequency band isconfigured to reduce at least one of an out-of-band noise figure or anout-of-band gain for a second frequency band corresponding to a secondpath of the plurality of paths.

Example D: Post-Amplifier Filters

FIG. 20 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration D400 may include a diversity receiver (DRx) module D410having a plurality of bandpass filters D423 a-D423 d disposed at theoutputs of a plurality of amplifiers D314 a-D314 d. The diversityreceiver configuration D400 includes a DRx module D410 having an inputcoupled to an antenna 140 and an output coupled to a transmission line135. The DRx module D410 includes a number of paths between the inputand the output of the DRx module D410. Each of the paths include aninput multiplexer D311, a pre-amplifier bandpass filter D413 a-D413 d,an amplifier D314 a-D314 d, a post-amplifier bandpass filter D423 a-D423d, and an output multiplexer D312.

The DRx controller D302 is configured to selectively activate one ormore of the plurality of paths between the input and the output. In someimplementations, the DRx controller D302 is configured to selectivelyactivate one or more of the plurality of paths based on a band selectsignal received by the DRx controller D302 (e.g., from a communicationscontroller). The DRx controller D302 may selectively activate the pathsby, for example, enabling or disabling the amplifiers D314 a-D314 d,controlling the multiplexers D311, D312, or through other mechanisms.

The output of the DRx module D410 is passed, via the transmission line135, to a diversity RF module D420 which differs from the diversity RFmodule 320 of FIG. 3 in that the diversity RF module D420 of FIG. 20does not include downstream bandpass filters. In some implementations(e.g., as shown in FIG. 20), the downstream multiplexer D321 may beimplemented as a sample switch.

Including post-amplifier bandpass filters D423 a-D423 d within the DRxmodule D410 rather than the diversity RF module D420 may provide anumber of advantages. For example, as described in detail below, such aconfiguration may improve the noise figure of the DRx module D410,simplify filter design, and/or improve path isolation.

Each of the paths of the DRx module D410 may be characterized by a noisefigure. The noise figure of each path is a representation of thedegradation of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) caused by propagationalong the path. In particular, the noise figure of each path may beexpressed as the difference in decibels (dB) between the SNR at theinput of the pre-amplifier bandpass filter D413 a-D413 d and the SNR atthe output of the post-amplifier bandpass filter D423 a-D4234 b. Thenoise figure of each path may be different for different frequencybands. For example, the first path may have an in-band noise figure fora first frequency band and an out-of-band noise figure for a secondfrequency band. Similarly, the second path may have an in-band noisefigure for the second frequency band and an out-of-band noise figure forthe first frequency band.

The DRx module D410 may also be characterized by a noise figure whichmay be different for different frequency bands. In particular, the noisefigure of the DRx module D410 is the difference in dB between the SNR atthe input of the DRx module D410 and the SNR at the output of the DRxmodule D410.

Because the signal propagating along two paths are combined by theoutput multiplexer D312, out-of-band noise produced or amplified by anamplifier can negatively affect the combined signal. For example,out-of-band noise produced or amplified by the first amplifier D314 amay increase the noise figure of the DRx module D410 at the secondfrequency. Thus, the post-amplifier bandpass filter D423 a disposedalong the path may reduce this out-of-band noise and decrease the noisefigure of the DRx module D410 at the second frequency.

In some implementations, the pre-amplifier bandpass filters D413 a-D413d and post-amplifier bandpass filters D423 a-D423 d may be designed tobe complementary, thereby simplifying filter design and/or achievingsimilar performance with fewer components at a decreased cost. Forexample, the post-amplifier bandpass filters D423 a disposed along thefirst path may more strongly attenuate frequencies that thepre-amplifier bandpass filter D413 a disposed along the first path moreweakly attenuates. As an example, the pre-amplifier bandpass filter D413a may attenuate frequencies below the first frequency band more thanfrequencies above the first frequency band. Complimentarily, thepost-amplifier bandpass filter D423 a may attenuate frequencies abovethe first frequency band more than frequencies below the first frequencyband. Thus, together, the pre-amplifier bandpass filter D413 a andpost-amplifier bandpass filter D423 a attenuate all out-of-bandfrequencies using fewer components. In general, one of the bandpassfilters disposed along a path can attenuate frequencies below therespective frequency band of the path more than frequencies above therespective frequency band and another of the bandpass filters disposedalong path can attenuate frequencies above the respective frequency bandmore than frequencies below the respective frequency band. Thepre-amplifier bandpass filters D413 a-D413 d and post-amplifier bandpassfilters D423 a-D423 d may be complimentary in other ways. For example,the pre-amplifier bandpass filters D413 a disposed along the first pathmay phase-shift a signal by a number of degrees and the post-amplifierbandpass filter D423 a disposed along the first path may oppositelyphase-shift the signal the number of degrees.

In some implementations, the post-amplifier bandpass filters D423 a-D423d may improve isolation of the paths. For example, withoutpost-amplifier bandpass filters, a signal propagating along the firstpath may be filtered to the first frequency by the pre-amplifierbandpass filter D413 a and amplified by the amplifier D314 a. The signalmay leak through the output multiplexer D312 to reverse propagate alongthe second path and reflect off the amplifier D314 b, the pre-amplifierbandpass filter D413 b, or other components disposed along the secondpath. If this reflected signal is out-of-phase with the initial signal,this may result in a weakening of the signal when combined by the outputmultiplexer D312. In contrast, with post-amplifier bandpass filters, theleaked signal (primarily at the first frequency band) is attenuated bythe post-amplifier bandpass filter D423 b disposed along the second pathand associated with the second frequency band, reducing the effect ofany reflected signal.

Thus, the DRx module D410 includes a controller configured toselectively activate one or more of a plurality of paths between aninput of a first multiplexer (e.g., the input multiplexer D311) and anoutput of a second multiplexer (e.g., the output multiplexer D312). TheDRx module D410 further includes a plurality of amplifiers D314 a-D314d, each one of the plurality of amplifiers D314 a-D314 d disposed alonga corresponding one of the plurality of paths and configured to amplifya signal received at the amplifier. The DRx module D410 includes a firstplurality of bandpass filters (e.g., the post-amplifier bandpass filtersD423 a-D423 d), each one of the first plurality of bandpass filtersdisposed along a corresponding one of the plurality of paths at anoutput of a corresponding one of the plurality of amplifiers D314 a-D314d and configured to filter a signal received at the bandpass filter to arespective frequency band. As shown in FIG. 20, in some implementations,the DRx module D410 further includes a second plurality of bandpassfilters (e.g., the pre-amplifier bandpass filters D413 a-D413 d), eachone of the second plurality of bandpass filters disposed along acorresponding one of the plurality of paths at an input of acorresponding one of the plurality of amplifiers D314 a-D314 d andconfigured to filter a signal received at the bandpass filter to arespective frequency band.

FIG. 21 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration D450 may include a diversity RF module D460 with feweramplifiers than a diversity receiver (DRx) module D410. As mentionedherein, in some implementations, a diversity RF module D460 may notinclude bandpass filters. Thus, in some implementations, one or moreamplifiers D424 of the diversity RF module D460 need not beband-specific. In particular, the diversity RF module D460 may includeone or more paths, each including an amplifier D424, that are not mapped1-to-1 with the paths of the DRx module D410. Such a mapping of paths(or corresponding amplifiers) may be stored in the controller 120.

Accordingly, whereas the DRx module D410 includes a number of paths,each corresponding to a frequency band, the diversity RF module D460 mayinclude one or more paths (from the input of the diversity RF moduleD460 to the input of the multiplexer D321) that do not correspond to asingle frequency band.

In some implementations (as shown in FIG. 21), the diversity RF moduleD460 includes a single wide-band or tunable amplifier D424 thatamplifies the signal received from the transmission line 135 and outputsan amplified signal to a multiplexer D321. The multiplexer D321 includesa plurality of multiplexer outputs, each corresponding to a respectivefrequency band. In some implementations, the multiplexer D321 may beimplemented as a sample switch. In some implementations, the diversityRF module D460 does not include any amplifiers.

In some implementations, the diversity signal is a single-band signal.Thus, in some implementations, the multiplexer D321 is asingle-pole/multiple-throw (SPMT) switch that routes the diversitysignal to one of the plurality of outputs corresponding to the frequencyband of the single-band signal based on a signal received from thecontroller 120. In some implementations, the diversity signal is amulti-band signal. Thus, in some implementations, the multiplexer D421is a band splitter that routes the diversity signal to two or more ofthe plurality of outputs corresponding to the two or more frequencybands of the multi-band signal based on a splitter control signalreceived from the controller 120. In some implementations, diversity RFmodule D460 may be combined with the transceiver D330 as a singlemodule.

In some implementations, the diversity RF module D460 includes multipleamplifiers, each corresponding to a set of frequency bands. The signalfrom the transmission line 135 may be fed into a band splitter thatoutputs high frequencies along a first path to a high-frequencyamplifier and outputs low frequencies along a second path to alow-frequency amplifier. The output of each of the amplifiers may beprovided to the multiplexer D321 which is configured to route the signalto the corresponding inputs of the transceiver D330.

FIG. 22 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration D500 may include a DRx module D510 coupled to one or moreoff-module filters D513, D523. The DRx module D510 may include apackaging substrate D501 configured to receive a plurality of componentsand a receiving system implemented on the packaging substrate D501. TheDRx module D510 may include one or more signal paths that are routed offthe DRx module D510 and made available to a system integrator, designer,or manufacturer to support filters for any desired band.

The DRx module D510 includes a number of paths between the input and theoutput of the DRx module D510. The DRx module D510 includes a bypasspath between the input and the output activated by a bypass switch D519controlled by the DRx controller D502. Although FIG. 22 illustrates asingle bypass switch D519, in some implementations, the bypass switchD519 may include multiple switches (e.g., a first switch disposedphysically close to the input and a second switch disposed physicallyclose to the output). As shown in FIG. 22, the bypass path does notinclude a filter or an amplifier.

The DRx module D510 includes a number of multiplexer paths including afirst multiplexer D511 and a second multiplexer D512. The multiplexerpaths include a number of on-module paths that include the firstmultiplexer D511, a pre-amplifier bandpass filter D413 a-D413 dimplemented on the packaging substrate D501, an amplifier D314 a-D314 dimplemented on the packaging substrate D501, a post-amplifier bandpassfilter D423 a-D423 d implemented on the packaging substrate D501, andthe second multiplexer D512. The multiplexer paths include one or moreoff-module paths that include the first multiplexer D511, apre-amplifier bandpass filter D513 implemented off the packagingsubstrate D501, an amplifier D514, a post-amplifier bandpass filter D523implemented off the packaging substrate D501, and the second multiplexerD512. The amplifier D514 may be a wide-band amplifier implemented on thepackaging substrate D501 or may also be implemented off the packagingsubstrate D501. In some implementations, one or more off-module paths donot include a pre-amplifier bandpass filter D513, but do include apost-amplifier bandpass filter D523. As described herein, the amplifiersD314 a-D314 d, D514 may be variable-gain amplifiers and/orvariable-current amplifiers.

The DRx controller D502 is configured to selectively activate one ormore of the plurality of paths between the input and the output. In someimplementations, the DRx controller D502 is configured to selectivelyactivate one or more of the plurality of paths based on a band selectsignal received by the DRx controller D502 (e.g., from a communicationscontroller). The DRx controller D502 may selectively activate the pathsby, for example, opening or closing the bypass switch D519, enabling ordisabling the amplifiers D314 a-D314 d, D514, controlling themultiplexers D511, D512, or through other mechanisms. For example, theDRx controller D502 may open or close switches along the paths (e.g.,between the filters D313 a-D313 d, D513 and the amplifiers D314 a-D314d, D514) or by setting the gain of the amplifiers D314 a-D314 d, D514 tosubstantially zero.

FIG. 23 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration D600 may include a DRx module D610 with tunable matchingcircuits. In particular, the DRx module D610 may include one or moretunable matching circuits disposed at one or more of the input and theoutput of the DRx module D610.

Multiple frequency bands received on the same diversity antenna 140 areunlikely to all see an ideal impedance match. To match each frequencyband using a compact matching circuit, a tunable input matching circuitD616 may be implemented at the input of the DRx module D610 andcontrolled by the DRx controller D602 (e.g., based on a band selectsignal from a communications controller). The DRx controller D602 maytune the tunable input matching circuit D616 based on a lookup tablethat associates frequency bands (or sets of frequency bands) with tuningparameters. The tunable input matching circuit D616 may be a tunableT-circuit, a tunable PI-circuit, or any other tunable matching circuit.In particular, the tunable input matching circuit D616 may include oneor more variable components, such as resistors, inductors, andcapacitors. The variable components may be connected in parallel and/orin series and may be connected between the input of the DRx module D610and the input of the first multiplexer D311 or may be connected betweenthe input of the DRx module D610 and a ground voltage.

Similarly, with only one transmission line 135 (or, at least, fewcables) carrying signals of many frequency bands, it is not likely thatmultiple frequency bands will all see an ideal impedance match. To matcheach frequency band using a compact matching circuit, a tunable outputmatching circuit D617 may be implemented at the output of the DRx moduleD610 and controlled by the DRx controller D602 (e.g., based on a bandselect signal from a communications controller). The DRx controller D602may tune the tunable output matching circuit D618 based on a lookuptable that associates frequency bands (or sets of frequency bands) withtuning parameters. The tunable output matching circuit D617 may be atunable T-circuit, a tunable PI-circuit, or any other tunable matchingcircuit. In particular, the tunable output matching circuit D617 mayinclude one or more variable components, such as resistors, inductors,and capacitors. The variable components may be connected in paralleland/or in series and may be connected between the output of the DRxmodule D610 and the output of the second multiplexer D312 or may beconnected between the output of the DRx module D610 and a groundvoltage.

Among others, the foregoing Example D related to post-amplifier filterscan be summarized as follows.

In accordance with some implementations, the present disclosure relatesto a receiving system including a controller configured to selectivelyactivate one or more of a plurality of paths between an input of a firstmultiplexer and an output of a second multiplexer. The receiving systemcan include a plurality of amplifiers. Each one of the plurality ofamplifiers can be disposed along a corresponding one of the plurality ofpaths and can be configured to amplify a signal received at theamplifier. The receiving system can include a first plurality ofbandpass filters. Each one of the first plurality of bandpass filterscan be disposed along a corresponding one of the plurality of paths atan output of a corresponding one of the plurality of amplifiers and canbe configured to filter a signal received at the bandpass filter to arespective frequency band.

In some embodiments, the receiving system can further include a secondplurality of bandpass filters. Each one of the second plurality ofbandpass filters can be disposed along a corresponding one of theplurality of paths at an input of a corresponding one of the pluralityof amplifiers and can be configured to filter a signal received at thebandpass filter to a respective frequency band.

In some embodiments, one of the first plurality of bandpass filtersdisposed along a first path and one of the second plurality of bandpassfilters disposed along the first path can be complementary. In someembodiments, one of the bandpass filters disposed along the first pathcan attenuate frequencies below the respective frequency band more thanfrequencies herein the respective frequency band and another of thebandpass filters disposed along the first path can attenuate frequenciesherein the respective frequency band more than frequencies below therespective frequency band.

In some embodiments, the receiving system can further include atransmission line coupled to the output of the second multiplexer andcoupled to a downstream module including a downstream multiplexer. Insome embodiments, the downstream module does not include a downstreambandpass filter. In some embodiments, the downstream multiplexerincludes a sample switch. In some embodiments, the downstream module caninclude one or more downstream amplifiers. In some embodiments, a numberof the one or more downstream amplifiers can be less than a number ofthe plurality of amplifiers.

In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of amplifiers caninclude a low-noise amplifier.

In some embodiments, the receiving system can further include one ormore tunable matching circuits disposed at one or more of the input ofthe first multiplexer and the output of the second multiplexer.

In some embodiments, the controller can be configured to selectivelyactivate the one or more of the plurality of paths based on a bandselect signal received by the controller. In some embodiments, thecontroller can be configured to selectively activate the one or more ofthe plurality of paths by transmitting a splitter control signal to thefirst multiplexer and a combiner control signal to the secondmultiplexer.

In some implementations, the present disclosure relates to aradio-frequency (RF) module that includes a packaging substrateconfigured to receive a plurality of components. The RF module furtherincludes a receiving system implemented on the packaging substrate. Thereceiving system includes a controller configured to selectivelyactivate one or more of a plurality of paths between an input of a firstmultiplexer and an output of a second multiplexer. The receiving systemfurther includes a plurality of amplifiers. Each one of the plurality ofamplifiers can be disposed along a corresponding one of the plurality ofpaths and can be configured to amplify a signal received at theamplifier. The receiving system further includes a first plurality ofbandpass filters. Each one of the first plurality of bandpass filterscan be disposed along a corresponding one of the plurality of paths atan output of a corresponding one of the plurality of amplifiers and canbe configured to filter a signal received at the bandpass filter to arespective frequency band.

In some embodiments, the RF module can be a diversity receiver front-endmodule (FEM).

In some embodiments, the receiving system can further include a secondplurality of bandpass filters. Each one of the second plurality ofbandpass filters can be disposed along a corresponding one of theplurality of paths at an input of a corresponding one of the pluralityof amplifiers and can be configured to filter a signal received at thebandpass filter to a respective frequency band.

In some embodiments, the plurality of paths can include an off-modulepath including an off-module bandpass filter and one of the plurality ofamplifiers.

According to some teachings, the present disclosure relates to awireless device that includes a first antenna configured to receive afirst radio-frequency (RF) signal. The wireless device further includesa first front-end module (FEM) in communication with the first antenna.The first FEM including a packaging substrate configured to receive aplurality of components. The first FEM further includes a receivingsystem implemented on the packaging substrate. The receiving systemincludes a controller configured to selectively activate one or more ofa plurality of paths between an input of a first multiplexer and anoutput of a second multiplexer. The receiving system further includes aplurality of amplifiers. Each one of the plurality of amplifiers can bedisposed along a corresponding one of the plurality of paths and can beconfigured to amplify a signal received at the amplifier. The receivingsystem further includes a first plurality of bandpass filters. Each oneof the first plurality of bandpass filters can be disposed along acorresponding one of the plurality of paths at an output of acorresponding one of the plurality of amplifiers and can be configuredto filter a signal received at the bandpass filter to a respectivefrequency band. The wireless device further includes a communicationsmodule configured to receive a processed version of the first RF signalfrom the output via a transmission line and generate data bits based onthe processed version of the first RF signal.

In some embodiments, the wireless device further includes a secondantenna configured to receive a second radio-frequency (RF) signal and asecond FEM in communication with the second antenna. The communicationsmodule can be configured to receive a processed version of the second RFsignal from an output of the second FEM and generate the data bits basedon the processed version of the second RF signal.

In some embodiments, the receiving system further includes a secondplurality of bandpass filters. Each one of the second plurality ofbandpass filters can be disposed along a corresponding one of theplurality of paths at an input of a corresponding one of the pluralityof amplifiers and can be configured to filter a signal received at thebandpass filter to a respective frequency band.

Example E: Switching Network

FIG. 24 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration E500 may include a DRx module E510 with asingle-pole/single-throw switch E519. The DRx module E510 includes twopaths from an input of the DRx module E510, coupled to an antenna 140,and an output of the DRx module E510, coupled to a transmission line135. The DRx module E510 includes a plurality of amplifiers E514 a-E514b, each one of the plurality of amplifiers E514 a-E514 b disposed alonga corresponding one of the plurality of paths and configured to amplifya signal received at the amplifier. In some implementations, as shown inFIG. 24, at least one of the plurality of amplifiers includes adual-stage amplifier.

In the DRx module E510 of FIG. 24, the signal splitter and bandpassfilters are implemented as a diplexer E511. The diplexer E511 includesan input coupled to the antenna 140, a first output coupled to aphase-shift component E527 a disposed along a first path, and a secondoutput coupled to a second phase-shift component E527 b disposed along asecond path. At the first output, the diplexer E511 outputs a signalreceived at the input (e.g., from the antenna 140) filtered to a firstfrequency band. At the second output, the diplexer E511 outputs thesignal received at the input filtered to a second frequency band. Insome implementations, the diplexer E511 may be replaced with atriplexer, a quadplexer, or any other multiplexer configured to split aninput signal received at the input of the DRx module E510 into aplurality of signals at a respective plurality of frequency bandspropagated along a plurality of paths.

In some implementations, an output multiplexer or other signal combinerdisposed at the output of a DRx module, such as the second multiplexer312 of FIG. 3, may degrade the performance of the DRx module whenreceiving a single-band signal. For example, the output multiplexer mayattenuate or introduce noise to the single-band signal. In someimplementations, when multiple amplifiers, such as the amplifiers 314a-314 d of FIG. 3, are enabled at the same time to support a multi-bandsignal, each amplifier may each introduce not only in-band noise, butout-of-band noise for each of the other multiple bands.

The DRx module E510 of FIG. 24 addresses some of these challenges. TheDRx module E510 includes a single-pole/single-throw (SPST) switch E519coupling the first path to the second path. To operate in a single-bandmode for the first frequency band, the switch E519 is placed in an openposition, the first amplifier E514 a is enabled, and the secondamplifier E514 b is disabled. Thus, the single-band signal at the firstfrequency band propagates along the first path from the antenna 140 tothe transmission line 135 without switching loss. Similarly, to operatein a single-band mode for the second frequency band, the switch E519 isplaced in an open position, the first amplifier E514 a is disabled, andthe second amplifier E514 b is enabled. Thus, the single-band signal atthe second frequency band propagates along the second path from theantenna 140 to the transmission line 135 without switching loss.

To operate in a multi-band mode for the first frequency band and thesecond frequency band, the switch E519 is placed in a closed position,the first amplifier E514 a is enabled, and the second amplifier E514 bis disabled. Thus, the first frequency band portion of the multi-bandsignal propagates along the first path through a first phase-shiftcomponent E527 a, a first impedance matching component E526 a, and thefirst amplifier E514 a. The first frequency band portion is preventedfrom traversing the switch E519 and reverse propagating along the secondpath by the second phase-shift component E527 b. In particular, thesecond phase-shift component E527 a is configured to phase-shift thefirst frequency band portion of a signal passing through the secondphase-shift component E527 b so as to maximize (or at least increase)the impedance at the first frequency band.

The second frequency band portion of the multi-band signal propagatesalong the second path through a second phase-shift component E527 b,traverses the switch E519, and propagates along the first path throughthe first impedance matching component E526 a and the first amplifierE314 a. The second frequency band portion is prevented from reversepropagating along the first path by the first phase-shift component E527a. In particular, the first phase-shift component E527 a is configuredto phase-shift the second frequency band portion of a signal passingthrough the first phase-shift component E527 a so as to maximize (or atleast increase) the impedance at the second frequency band.

Each of the paths may be characterized by a noise figure and a gain. Thenoise figure of each path is a representation of the degradation of thesignal-to-noise ratio (SNR) caused by the amplifier and impedancematching component E526 a-E526 b disposed along the path. In particular,the noise figure of each path is the difference in decibels (dB) betweenthe SNR at the input of the impedance matching component E526 a-E526 band the SNR at the output of the amplifier E314 a-E314 b. Thus, thenoise figure is a measure of the difference between the noise output ofthe amplifier to the noise output of an “ideal” amplifier (that does notproduce noise) with the same gain.

The noise figure of each path may be different for different frequencybands. For example, the first path may have a first noise figure for thefirst frequency band and a second noise figure for the second frequencyband. The noise figure and gain of each path (at each frequency band)may depend, at least in part, on the impedance (at each frequency band)of the impedance matching component E526 a-E526 b. Accordingly, it maybe advantageous that the impedance of the impedance matching componentE526 a-E526 b is such that the noise figure of each path is minimized(or reduced).

In some implementations, the second impedance matching component E526 bpresents an impedance that minimizes (or decreases) the noise figure forthe second frequency band. In some implementations, the first impedancematching component E526 a minimizes (or decreases) the noise figure forthe first frequency band. As the second frequency band portion of amulti-band signal may be partially propagated along the first part, insome implementations, the first impedance matching component E526 aminimizes (or decreases) a metric including the noise figure for thefirst band and the noise figure for the second band.

The impedance matching components E526 a-E526 b may be implemented aspassive circuits. In particular, the impedance matching components E526a-E526 b may be implemented as RLC circuits and include one or morepassive components, such as resistors, inductors and/or capacitors. Thepassive components may be connected in parallel and/or in series and maybe connected between the outputs of the phase-shift components E527a-E527 b and the inputs of the amplifiers E514 a-E415 b or may beconnected between the outputs of the phase-shift components E527 a-E527b and a ground voltage.

Similarly, the phase-shift components E527 a-E527 b may be implementedas passive circuits. In particular, the phase-shift components E527a-E527 b may be implemented as LC circuits and include one or morepassive components, such as inductors and/or capacitors. The passivecomponents may be connected in parallel and/or in series and may beconnected between the outputs of the diplexer E511 and the inputs of theimpedance matching components E526 a-E526 b or may be connected betweenthe outputs of the diplexer E511 and a ground voltage.

FIG. 25 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration E600 may include a DRx module E610 with tunablephase-shift components E627 a-E627 d. Each of the tunable phase-shiftcomponents E627 a-E627 d may be configured to phase-shift a signalpassing through the tunable phase-shift component an amount controlledby a phase-shift tuning signal received from the controller.

The diversity receiver configuration E600 includes a DRx module E610having an input coupled to an antenna 140 and an output coupled to atransmission line 135. The DRx module E610 includes a number of pathsbetween the input and the output of the DRx module E610. Each of thepaths includes a multiplexer E311, a bandpass filter E313 a-E313 d, atunable phase-shift component E627 a-E627 d, a switching network E612, atunable impedance matching component E626 a-E626 d, and an amplifierE314 a-E314 d. As described herein, the amplifiers E314 a-E314 d may bevariable-gain amplifiers and/or variable-current amplifiers.

The tunable phase-shift components E627 a-E627 d may include one or morevariable components, such as inductors and capacitors. The variablecomponents may be connected in parallel and/or in series and may beconnected between the outputs of the multiplexer E311 and the inputs ofthe switching network E612 or may be connected between the outputs ofthe multiplexer and a ground voltage.

The tunable impedance matching components E626 a-E626 d may be a tunableT-circuit, a tunable PI-circuit, or any other tunable matching circuit.The tunable impedance matching components E626 a-E626 d may include oneor more variable components, such as resistors, inductors, andcapacitors. The variable components may be connected in parallel and/orin series and may be connected between the outputs of the switchingnetwork E612 and the inputs of the amplifiers E314 a-E314 d or may beconnected between the outputs of the switching network E612 and a groundvoltage.

The DRx controller E602 is configured to selectively activate one ormore of the plurality of paths between the input and the output. In someimplementations, the DRx controller E602 is configured to selectivelyactivate one or more of the plurality of paths based on a band selectsignal received by the DRx controller E602 (e.g., from a communicationscontroller). The DRx controller E602 may selectively activate the pathsby, for example, enabling or disabling the amplifiers E314 a-E314 d,controlling the multiplexer E311 and/or the switching network E612, orthrough other mechanisms.

In some implementations, the DRx controller E602 controls the switchingnetwork E612 based on the band select signal. The switching networkincludes a plurality of SPST switches, each switch coupling two of theplurality of paths. The DRx controller E602 may send a switching signal(or multiple switching signals) to the switching network to open orclose the plurality of SPST switches. For example, if the band selectsignal indicates that an input signal includes a first frequency bandand a second frequency band, the DRx controller E602 may close a switchbetween the first path and the second path. If the band select signalindicates that an input signal includes a second frequency band and afourth frequency band, the DRx controller E602 may close a switchbetween the second path and the fourth path. If the band select signalindicates that an input signal includes the first frequency band, thesecond frequency band, and the fourth frequency band, the DRx controllerE602 may close the both of the switches (and/or close the switch betweenthe first path and the second path and a switch between first path andthe fourth path). If the band select signal indicates that an inputsignal includes the second frequency band, the third frequency band, andthe fourth frequency, the DRx controller E602 may close a switch betweenthe second path and the third path and a switch between the third pathand the fourth path (and/or close the switch between the second path andthe third path and a switch between the second path and the fourthpath).

In some implementations, the DRx controller E602 is configured to tunethe tunable phase-shift components E627 a-E627 d. In someimplementations, the DRx controller E602 tunes the tunable phase-shiftcomponents E627 a-E627 d based on the band select signal. For example,the DRx controller E602 may tune the tunable phase-shift components E627a-E627 d based on a lookup table that associates frequency bands (orsets of frequency bands) indicated by the band select signal with tuningparameters. Accordingly, in response to a band select signal, the DRxcontroller E602 may transmit a phase-shift tuning signal to the tunablephase-shift component E627 a-E627 d of each active path to tune thetunable phase-shift component (or the variable components thereof)according to the tuning parameters.

The DRx controller E602 may be configured to tune the tunablephase-shift components E627 a-E627 d of each active path so as tomaximize (or at least increase) the impedance at frequency bandscorresponding to the other active paths. Thus, if the first path and thethird path are active, the DRx controller E602 may tune the firstphase-shift component E627 a so as to maximize (or at least increase)the impedance at the third frequency band, whereas, if the first pathand the fourth path are active, the DRx controller E602 may tune thefirst phase-shift component E627 a so as to maximize (or at leastincrease) the impedance at the fourth frequency band.

In some implementations, the DRx controller E602 is configured to tunethe tunable impedance matching components E626 a-E626 d. In someimplementations, the DRx controller E602 tunes the tunable impedancematching components E626 a-E626 d based on the band select signal. Forexample, the DRx controller E602 may tune the tunable impedance matchingcomponents E626 a-E626 d based on a lookup table that associatesfrequency bands (or sets of frequency bands) indicated by the bandselect signal with tuning parameters. Accordingly, in response to a bandselect signal, the DRx controller E602 may transmit an impedance tuningsignal to the tunable impedance matching component E626 a-E626 d of thepath having an active amplifier according to the tuning parameters.

In some implementations, the DRx controller E602 tunes the tunableimpedance matching components E626 a-E626 d of the path having an activeamplifier to minimize (or reduce) a metric including the noise figurefor the corresponding frequency band of each active path.

In various implementations, one or more of the tunable phase-shiftcomponents E627 a-E627 d or tunable impedance matching components E626a-E626 d may be replaced by fixed components that are not controlled bythe DRx controller E602.

FIG. 26 shows an embodiment of a flowchart representation of a methodE700 of processing an RF signal. In some implementations (and asdetailed below as an example), the method E700 is performed by acontroller, such as the DRx controller E602 of FIG. 25. In someimplementations, the method E700 is performed by processing logic,including hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. Insome implementations, the method E700 is performed by a processorexecuting code stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium(e.g., a memory). Briefly, the method E700 includes receiving a bandselect signal and routing a received RF signal along one or more pathsto process the received RF signal.

The method E700 begins, at block E710, with the controller receiving aband select signal. The controller may receive the band select signalfrom another controller or may receive the band select signal from acellular base station or other external source. The band select signalmay indicate one or more frequency bands over which a wireless device isto transmit and receive RF signals. In some implementations, the bandselect signal indicates a set of frequency bands for carrier aggregationcommunication.

At block E720, the controller sends an amplifier enable signal to anamplifier of a DRx module based on the band select signal. In someimplementations, the band select signal indicates a single frequencyband and the controller sends an amplifier enable signal to enable anamplifier disposed along a path corresponding to the single frequencyband. The controller may send an amplifier enable signal to disable theother amplifiers disposed along other paths corresponding to otherfrequency bands. In some implementations, the band select signalindicates multiple frequency bands and the controller sends an amplifierenable signal to enable an amplifier disposed along one of the pathscorresponding to one of the multiple frequency bands. The controller maysend an amplifier enable signal to disable the other amplifiers. In someimplementations, the controller enables the amplifier disposed along thepath corresponding to the lowest frequency band.

At block E730, the controller sends a switching signal to control aswitching network of single-pole/single-throw (SPST) switches based onthe band select signal. The switching network includes a plurality ofSPST switches coupling the plurality of paths corresponding to aplurality of frequency bands. In some implementations, the band selectsignal indicates a single frequency band and the controller sends aswitching signal that opens all of the SPST switches. In someimplementations, the band select signal indicates multiple frequencybands and the controller sends a switching signal to close one or moreof the SPST switches so as to couple the paths corresponding to themultiple frequency bands.

At block E740, the controller sends a tuning signal to one or moretunable components based on the band select signal. The tunablecomponents may include one or more of a plurality of tunable phase-shiftcomponents or a plurality of tunable impedance matching components. Thecontroller may tune the tunable components based on a lookup table thatassociates frequency bands (or sets of frequency bands) indicated by theband select signal with tuning parameters. Accordingly, in response to aband select signal, the DRx controller may transmit a tuning signal tothe tunable components (of active paths) to tune the tunable components(or the variable components thereof) according to the tuning parameters.

Among others, the foregoing Example E related to switching network canbe summarized as follows.

In accordance with some implementations, the present disclosure relatesto a receiving system comprising a plurality of amplifiers. Each one ofthe plurality of amplifiers is disposed along a corresponding one of aplurality of paths between an input of the receiving system and anoutput of the receiving system and is configured to amplify a signalreceived at the amplifier. The receive system further includes aswitching network including one or more single-pole/single-throwswitches. Each one of the switches couples two of the plurality ofpaths. The receiving system further includes a controller configured toreceive a band select signal and, based on the band select signal,enable one of the plurality of amplifiers and control the switchingnetwork.

In some embodiments, the controller can be configured to, in response toreceiving a band select signal indicating a single frequency band,enable one of the plurality of amplifiers corresponding the singlefrequency band and control the switching network to open all of the oneor more switches.

In some embodiments, the controller can be configured to, in response toreceiving a band select signal indicating multiple frequency bands,enable one of the plurality of amplifiers corresponding to one of themultiple frequency bands and control the switching network to close atleast one of the one or more switches between paths corresponding to themultiple frequency bands.

In some embodiments, the receiving system can further include aplurality of phase-shift components. Each one of the plurality ofphase-shift components can be disposed along a corresponding one of theplurality of paths and can be configured to phase-shift a signal passingthrough the phase-shift component to increase the impedance for thefrequency band corresponding to another one of the plurality of paths.In some embodiments, each one of the plurality of phase-shift componentscan be disposed between the switching network and the input. In someembodiments, at least one of the plurality of phase-shift components caninclude a tunable phase-shift component configured to phase-shift asignal passing through the tunable phase-shift component an amountcontrolled by a phase-shift tuning signal received from the controller.In some embodiments, the controller can be configured to generate thephase-shift tuning signal based on the band select signal.

In some embodiments, the receiving system can further include aplurality of impedance matching components. Each one of the plurality ofimpedance matching components can be disposed along a corresponding oneof the plurality of paths and can be configured to decrease a noisefigure of the one of the plurality of paths. In some embodiments, eachone of the plurality of impedance matching components can be disposedbetween the switching network and a corresponding one of the pluralityof amplifiers. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality ofimpedance matching components can include a tunable impedance matchingcomponent configured to present an impedance controlled by a impedancetuning signal received from the controller. In some embodiments, thecontroller can be configured to generate the impedance tuning signalbased on the band select signal.

In some embodiments, the receiving system can further include amultiplexer configured to split an input signal received at the inputinto a plurality of signals at a respective plurality of frequency bandspropagated along the plurality of paths.

In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of amplifiers caninclude a dual-stage amplifier.

In some embodiment, the controller can be configured to enable one ofthe plurality of amplifiers and to disable the others of the pluralityof amplifiers.

In some implementations, the present disclosure relates to aradio-frequency (RF) module that includes a packaging substrateconfigured to receive a plurality of components. The RF module furtherincludes a receiving system implemented on the packaging substrate. Thereceiving system includes a plurality of amplifiers. Each one of theplurality of amplifiers is disposed along a corresponding one of aplurality of paths between an input of the receiving system and anoutput of the receiving system and is configured to amplify a signalreceived at the amplifier. The receiving system further includes aswitching network including one or more single-pole/single-throwswitches. Each one of the switches couples two of the plurality ofpaths. The receiving system further includes a controller configured toreceive a band select signal and, based on the band select signal,enable one of the plurality of amplifiers and control the switchingnetwork.

In some embodiments, the RF module can be a diversity receiver front-endmodule (FEM).

In some embodiments, the receiving system can further include aplurality of phase-shift components. Each one of the plurality ofphase-shift components can be disposed along a corresponding one of theplurality of paths and can be configured to phase-shift a signal passingthrough the phase-shift component to increase the impedance for thefrequency band corresponding to another one of the plurality of paths.

According to some teachings, the present disclosure relates to awireless device that includes a first antenna configured to receive afirst radio-frequency (RF) signal. The wireless device further includesa first front-end module (FEM) in communication with the first antenna.The first FEM including a packaging substrate configured to receive aplurality of components. The first FEM further includes a receivingsystem implemented on the packaging substrate. The receiving systemincludes a plurality of amplifiers. Each one of the plurality ofamplifiers is disposed along a corresponding one of a plurality of pathsbetween an input of the receiving system and an output of the receivingsystem and is configured to amplify a signal received at the amplifier.The receiving system further includes a switching network including oneor more single-pole/single-throw switches. Each one of the switchescouples two of the plurality of paths. The receiving system furtherincludes a controller configured to receive a band select signal and,based on the band select signal, enable one of the plurality ofamplifiers and control the switching network. The wireless devicefurther includes a transceiver configured to receive a processed versionof the first RF signal from the output via a cable and generate databits based on the processed version of the first RF signal.

In some implementations, the wireless device can further include asecond antenna configured to receive a second radio-frequency (RF)signal and a second FEM in communication with the first antenna. Thetransceiver can be configured to receive a processed version of thesecond RF signal from an output of the second FEM and generate the databits based on the processed version of the second RF signal.

In some implementations, the receiving system can further include aplurality of phase-shift components. Each one of the plurality ofphase-shift components can be disposed along a corresponding one of theplurality of paths and can be configured to phase-shift a signal passingthrough the phase-shift component to increase the impedance for thefrequency band corresponding to another one of the plurality of paths.

Example F: Flexible Band Routing

FIG. 27 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration F600 may include a DRx module F610 with tunable matchingcircuits. In particular, the DRx module F610 may include one or moretunable matching circuits disposed at one or more of the input and theoutput of the DRx module F610.

Multiple frequency bands received on the same diversity antenna 140 areunlikely to all see an ideal impedance match. To match each frequencyband using a compact matching circuit, a tunable input matching circuitF616 may be implemented at the input of the DRx module F610 andcontrolled by the DRx controller F602 (e.g., based on a band selectsignal from a communications controller). The DRx controller F602 maytune the tunable input matching circuit F616 based on a lookup tablethat associates frequency bands (or sets of frequency bands) with tuningparameters. The tunable input matching circuit F616 may be a tunableT-circuit, a tunable PI-circuit, or any other tunable matching circuit.In particular, the tunable input matching circuit F616 may include oneor more variable components, such as resistors, inductors, andcapacitors. The variable components may be connected in parallel and/orin series and may be connected between the input of the DRx module F610and the input of the first multiplexer F311 or may be connected betweenthe input of the DRx module F610 and a ground voltage.

Similarly, with only one transmission line 135 (or, at least, fewcables) carrying signals of many frequency bands, it is not likely thatmultiple frequency bands will all see an ideal impedance match. To matcheach frequency band using a compact matching circuit, a tunable outputmatching circuit F617 may be implemented at the output of the DRx moduleF610 and controlled by the DRx controller F602 (e.g., based on a bandselect signal from a communications controller). The DRx controller F602may tune the tunable output matching circuit F618 based on a lookuptable that associates frequency bands (or sets of frequency bands) withtuning parameters. The tunable output matching circuit F617 may be atunable T-circuit, a tunable PI-circuit, or any other tunable matchingcircuit. In particular, the tunable output matching circuit F617 mayinclude one or more variable components, such as resistors, inductors,and capacitors. The variable components may be connected in paralleland/or in series and may be connected between the output of the DRxmodule F610 and the output of the second multiplexer F312 or may beconnected between the output of the DRx module F610 and a groundvoltage.

FIG. 28 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration F700 may include multiple transmission lines. AlthoughFIG. 28 illustrates an embodiment with two transmission lines F735a-F735 b and one antenna 140, aspects described herein may beimplemented in embodiments with more than two transmission lines and/or(as described further below) two or more antennas.

The diversity receiver configuration F700 includes a DRx module F710coupled to an antenna 140. The DRx module F710 includes a number ofpaths between an input of the DRx module F710 (e.g, the input coupled tothe antenna 140 a) and an output of the DRx module (e.g., the firstoutput coupled to the first transmission line F735 a or the secondoutput coupled to the second transmission line F735 b). In someimplementations, the DRx module F710 includes one or more bypass paths(not shown) between the input and the outputs activated by one or morebypass switches controlled by the DRx controller F702.

The DRx module F710 includes a number of multiplexer paths including aninput multiplexer F311 and an output multiplexer F712. The multiplexerpaths include a number of on-module paths (shown) that include the inputmultiplexer F311, a bandpass filter F313 a-F313 d, an amplifier F314a-F314 d, and the output multiplexer F712. The multiplexer paths mayinclude one or more off-module paths (not shown) as described herein. Asalso described herein, the amplifiers F314 a-F314 d may be variable-gainamplifiers and/or variable-current amplifiers.

The DRx controller F702 is configured to selectively activate one ormore of the plurality of paths. In some implementations, the DRxcontroller F702 is configured to selectively activate one or more of theplurality of paths based on a band select signal received by the DRxcontroller F702 (e.g., from a communications controller). The DRxcontroller F702 may selectively activate the paths by, for example,enabling or disabling the amplifiers F314 a-F314 d, controlling themultiplexers F311, F712, or through other mechanisms as describedherein.

To better utilize the multiple transmission lines F735 a-F735 b, the DRxcontroller F702 can, based on the band select signal, control the outputmultiplexer F712 to route each of the signals propagating along thepaths to a selected one of the transmission lines F735 a-F735 b (oroutput multiplexer outputs corresponding to the transmission lines F735a-F735 b).

In some implementations, if the band select signal indicates that thereceived signal includes a single frequency band, the DRx controllerF702 can control the output multiplexer F712 to route the signalpropagating on the corresponding path to a default transmission line.The default transmission line can be the same for all paths (andcorresponding frequency bands), such as when one of the transmissionlines F735 a-F735 b is shorter, introduces less noise, or is otherwisepreferred. The default transmission line can be different for differentpaths. For example, paths corresponding to low frequency bands can berouted to the first transmission line F735 b and paths corresponding tohigh frequency bands can be routed to the second transmission line F735b.

Thus, in response to a band select signal indicating that one or more RFsignals received at the input multiplexer F311 includes a singlefrequency band, the DRx controller F702 can be configured to control thesecond multiplexer F712 to route an amplified RF signal received at anoutput multiplexer input corresponding to the single frequency band to adefault output multiplexer output. As noted herein, the default outputmultiplexer output can be different for different single frequency bandsor the same for all frequency bands.

In some implementations, if the band select signal indicates that thereceived signal includes two frequency bands, the DRx controller F702can control the output multiplexer F712 to route a signal propagatingalong a path corresponding to the first frequency band to the firsttransmission line F735 a and route the signal propagating along a pathcorresponding to the second frequency band to the second transmissionline F735 b. Thus, even if both of the two frequency bands are highfrequency bands (or low frequency bands), the signals propagating alongthe corresponding paths may be routed to different transmission lines.Similarly, in the case of three or more transmission lines, each ofthree or more frequency bands can be routed to different transmissionlines.

Thus, in response to a band select signal indicating that one or more RFsignals received at the input multiplexer F311 includes a firstfrequency band and a second frequency band, the DRX controller F702 canbe configured to control the second multiplexer F712 to route anamplified RF signal received at an output multiplexer inputcorresponding to the first frequency band to a first output multiplexeroutput and to route an amplified RF signal received at an outputmultiplexer input corresponding to the second frequency band to a secondoutput multiplexer output. As noted herein, both the first frequencyband and the second frequency band can be high frequency band or lowfrequency bands.

In some implementations, if the band select signal indicates that thereceived signal includes three frequency bands, the DRx controller F702can control the output multiplexer F712 to combine two of the signalspropagating along two paths corresponding to two of the frequency bandsand route the combined signal along one of the transmission lines and toroute the signal propagating along the path corresponding to the thirdfrequency band along the other of the transmission lines. In someimplementations, the DRx controller F702 controls the output multiplexerF712 to combine the two of the three frequency bands that are closesttogether (e.g., both low frequency bands or both high frequency bands).Such implementations may simplify impedance matching at the output ofthe DRx module F710 or the input of the downstream module. In someimplementations, the DRx controller F702 controls the output multiplexerF712 to combine the two of the three frequency bands that are furthestapart. Such implementations may simplify separation of the frequencybands at the downstream module.

Thus, in response to a band select signal indicating that one or more RFsignals received at the input multiplexer F311 includes a firstfrequency band a second frequency band, and a third frequency band, theDRx controller F702 can be configured to control the second multiplexerF712 (a) to combine an amplified RF signal received at an outputmultiplexer input corresponding to the first frequency band and anamplified RF signal received at an output multiplexer inputcorresponding to the second frequency band to generate a combinedsignal, (b) to route the combined signal to a first output multiplexeroutput, and (c) to route an amplified RF signal received at an outputmultiplexer input corresponding to the third frequency band to a secondoutput multiplexer output. As noted herein, the first frequency band andthe second frequency band may be those of the three frequency bands thatare closest together or furthest apart.

In some implementations, if the band select signal indicates that thereceived signal includes four frequency bands, the DRx controller F702can control the output multiplexer F712 to combine two of the signalspropagating along two paths corresponding to two of the frequency bandsand route the first combined signal along one of the transmission linesand route two of the signals propagating along two paths correspondingto the other two of the frequency bands and route the second combinedsignal along the other of the transmission lines. In someimplementations, the DRx controller F702 can control the outputmultiplexer F712 to combine three of the signals propagating along threepaths corresponding to three of the frequency bands and route thecombined signal along one of the transmission lines and route the signalpropagating along the path corresponding to the fourth frequency bandalong the other of the transmission lines. Such an implementation may bebeneficial when three of the frequency bands are close together (e.g.,all low frequency bands) and the fourth frequency band is far apart(e.g., a high frequency band).

In general, if the band select signal indicates that the received signalincludes more frequency bands than there are transmission lines, the DRxcontroller F702 can control the output multiplexer F712 to combine twoor more of the signals propagating along two or more paths correspondingto two or more of the frequency bands and route the combined signal toone of the transmission lines. The DRx controller F702 can control theoutput multiplexer F712 to combine frequency bands that are closesttogether or furthest apart.

Thus, a signal propagating along one of the paths may be routed by theoutput multiplexer F712 to a different one of the transmission linesdepending on other signals that are propagating along other path. As anexample, a signal propagating along a third path passing through thethird amplifier F314 c may be routed to the second transmission lineF735 b when the third path is the only active path and routed to thefirst transmission line F735 a when the fourth path (passing through thefourth amplifier F314 d) is also active (and routed to the secondtransmission line 735 b).

Thus, the DRx controller F702 can be configured to, in response to afirst band select signal, control the output multiplexer F712 to routean amplified RF signal received at an output multiplexer input to afirst output multiplexer output and, in response to a second band selectsignal, control the output multiplexer to route an amplified RF signalreceived at the output multiplexer input to a second output multiplexeroutput.

Thus, the DRx module F710 constitutes a receiving system including aplurality of amplifiers F314 a-F314 d, each one of the plurality ofamplifiers F314 a-F314 d disposed along a corresponding one of aplurality of paths between an input of the receiving system (e.g., theinput of the DRx module F710 coupled to the antenna 140 and/oradditional inputs of the DRx module F710 coupled to other antennas) andan output of the receiving system (e.g., the outputs of the DRx moduleF710 coupled to the transmission lines F735 a-F735 b and/or additionaloutputs of the DRx module F710 coupled to other transmission lines).Each of the amplifiers F314 a-F314 d are configured to amplify an RFsignal received at the amplifier F314 a-F314 d.

The DRx module F710 further includes an input multiplexer F311configured to receive one or more RF signals at one or more inputmultiplexer inputs and to output each of the one or more RF signals toone or more of a plurality of input multiplexer outputs to propagatealong a respective one or more of the plurality of paths. In someimplementations, the DRx module F710 receives a single RF signal at asingle input multiplexer input and is controlled by the DRx controllerF702 to output the single RF signal to one or more of the inputmultiplexer outputs corresponding to each frequency band indicated in aband select signal. In some implementations, the DRx module F710receives multiple RF signals (each corresponding to a different set ofone or more frequency bands indicated in a band select signal) atmultiple input multiplexer inputs and is controlled by the DRxcontroller F702 to output each of the multiple RF signals to one or moreof the input multiplexer outputs corresponding to the set of one or morefrequency bands of the respective RF signal. Thus, in general, the inputmultiplexer F311 receives one or more RF signals, each corresponding toone or more frequency bands, and is controlled by the DRx controller toroute each RF signal along the one or more paths corresponding to theone or more frequency bands of the RF signal.

The DRx module F710 further includes an output multiplexer F712configured to receive one or more amplified RF signals propagating alongthe respective one or more of the plurality of paths at one or morerespective output multiplexer inputs and to output each of the one ormore amplified RF signals to a selected one of a plurality of outputmultiplexer outputs (each respectively coupled to one of a plurality ofoutput transmission lines F735 a-F735 b).

The DRx module F710 further includes a DRx controller F702 configured toreceive a band select signal and, based on the band select signal,control the input multiplexer and the output multiplexer. As describedherein, the DRx controller F702 controls the input multiplexer to routeeach of one or more RF signals corresponding to one or more frequencybands along the one or more paths corresponding to the one or morefrequency bands of the RF signal. As also described herein, the DRxcontroller F702 controls the output multiplexer to route each of one ormore amplified RF signals propagating along one or more paths to aselected one of a plurality of output multiplexer outputs in order tobetter utilize the transmission lines F735 a-F735 b coupled to the DRxmodule F710.

In some implementations, if the band select signal indicates that thereceived signal includes multiple frequency bands, the DRx controllerF702 can control the output multiplexer F712 to combine all of thesignals propagating along paths corresponding to multiple frequencybands and route the combined signal to one of the transmission lines.Such implementations may be used when other transmission lines areunusable (e.g., damaged or not present in a particular wirelesscommunication configuration) and be implemented in response to acontroller signal received by the DRx controller F702 (e.g, from acommunications controller) that one of the transmission lines isunusable.

Thus, in response to a band select signal indicating that one or more RFsignals received at the input multiplexer F311 includes multiplefrequency bands and in response to a controller signal indicating that atransmission line is unusable, the DRx controller F702 can be configuredto control the output multiplexer F712 to combine multiple amplified RFsignals received at multiple output multiplexer inputs corresponding tothe multiple frequency bands to generate a combined signal and to routethe combined signal to a output multiplexer output.

FIG. 29 shows an embodiment of an output multiplexer F812 that may beused for dynamic routing. The output multiplexer F812 includes aplurality of inputs F801 a-F801 d that may be respectively coupled toamplifiers disposed along a plurality of paths corresponding to aplurality of frequency bands. The output multiplexer F812 includes aplurality of outputs F802 a-F802 b that may be respectively coupled to aplurality of transmission lines. Each of the outputs F802 a-F802 b iscoupled to an output of a respective combiner F820 a-F820 b. Each of theinputs F801 a-F801 d is coupled, via one of a set ofsingle-pole/single-throw (SPST) switches F830 to an input of each of thecombiners F820 a-F820 b. The switches F830 are controllable via acontrol bus F803 that may be coupled to a DRx controller.

FIG. 30 shows another embodiment of an output multiplexer F912 that maybe used for dynamic routing. The output multiplexer F912 includes aplurality of inputs F901 a-F901 d that may be respectively coupled toamplifiers disposed along a plurality of paths corresponding to aplurality of frequency bands. The output multiplexer F912 includes aplurality of outputs F902 a-F902 b that may be respectively coupled to aplurality of transmission lines. Each of the outputs F902 a-F902 b iscoupled to an output of a respective combiner F920 a-F920 b. The firstinput F901 a is coupled to an input of the first combiner F920 a and thefourth input F901 d is coupled to an input of the second combiner F920d. The second input F901 b is coupled to a firstsingle-pole/multiple-throw (SPMT) switch F930 a having outputs coupledto each of the combiners F920 a-F920 b. Similarly, the third input F901c is coupled to second SPMT switch F930 b having outputs coupled to eachof the combiners F920 a-F920 b. The switches F930 a-F930 b arecontrollable via a control bus F903 that may be coupled to a DRxcontroller.

Unlike the output multiplexer 812 of FIG. 8, the output multiplexer 912of FIG. 9 does not allow each input 901 a-901 d to be routed to any ofthe outputs 902 a-902 b. Rather, the first input 901 a is fixedly routedto the first output 902 a and the fourth input 902 d is fixedly routedto the second output 902 b. Such an implementation may reduce the sizeof the control bus 903 or simplify the control logic of the DRxcontroller attached to the control bus 903.

Both the output multiplexer F812 of FIG. 29 and the output multiplexerF912 of FIG. 30 include a first combiner F820 a, F920 a coupled to afirst output multiplexer output F802 a, F902 a and a second combinerF820 b, F920 b coupled to a second output multiplexer output F802 b,F902 b. Further, both the output multiplexer F812 of FIG. 29 and theoutput multiplexer F912 of FIG. 30 include an output multiplexer inputF801 b, F901 b coupled to both the first combiner F820 a, F920 a and thesecond combiner F820 b, F920 b via one or more switches (controlled bythe DRx controller). In the output multiplexer F812 of FIG. 29, theoutput multiplexer input F801 b is coupled to the first combiner F820 aand the second combiner F820 b via two SPST switches. In the outputmultiplexer F912 of FIG. 30, the output multiplexer input F901 b iscoupled to the first combiner F920 a and the second combiner F820 b viaa single SPMT switch.

FIG. 31 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration F1000 may include multiple antennas F1040 a-F1040 b.Although FIG. 31 illustrates an embodiment with one transmission line135 and two antennas F1040 a-F1040 b, aspects described herein may beimplemented in embodiments with two or more transmission lines and/ormore than two antennas.

The diversity receiver configuration F1000 includes a DRx module F1010coupled to a first antenna F1040 a and a second antenna F1040 b. The DRxmodule F1010 includes a number of paths between an input of the DRxmodule F1010 (e.g, the first input coupled to the first antenna F1040 aor the second input coupled to the second antenna F1040 b) and an outputof the DRx module (e.g., the output coupled to the transmission line135). In some implementations, the DRx module F1010 includes one or morebypass paths (not shown) between the inputs and the output activated byone or more bypass switches controlled by the DRx controller F1002.

The DRx module F1010 includes a number of multiplexer paths including aninput multiplexer F1011 and an output multiplexer F312. The multiplexerpaths include a number of on-module paths (shown) that include the inputmultiplexer F1011, a bandpass filter F313 a-F313 d, an amplifier F314a-F314 d, and the output multiplexer F312. The multiplexer paths mayinclude one or more off-module paths (not shown) as described herein. Asalso described herein, the amplifiers F314 a-F314 d may be variable-gainamplifiers and/or variable-current amplifiers.

The DRx controller F1002 is configured to selectively activate one ormore of the plurality of paths. In some implementations, the DRxcontroller F1002 is configured to selectively activate one or more ofthe plurality of paths based on a band select signal received by the DRxcontroller F1002 (e.g., from a communications controller). The DRxcontroller F1002 may selectively activate the paths by, for example,enabling or disabling the amplifiers F314 a-F314 d, controlling themultiplexers F1011, F312, or through other mechanisms as describedherein.

In various diversity receiver configurations, the antennas F1040 a-F1040b may support various frequency bands. For example, in oneimplementation, a diversity receiver configuration could include a firstantenna F1040 a that supports low frequency bands and mid frequencybands and a second antenna F1040 b that supports high frequency bands.Another diversity receiver configuration could include a first antennaF1040 a that supports low frequency bands and a second antenna F1040 bthat supports mid frequency bands and high frequency bands. Yet anotherdiversity receiver configuration could include only a first widebandantenna F1040 a that supports low frequency bands, mid frequency bands,and high frequency bands and may lack a second antenna F1040 b.

The same DRx module F1010 can be used for all of these diversityreceiver configurations through control of the input multiplexer F1011by the DRx controller F1002 based on an antenna configuration signal(e.g., received from a communications controller or stored in and readfrom a permanent memory or other hardwired configuration).

In some implementations, when the antenna configuration signal indicatesthat the diversity receiver configuration F1000 includes only a singleantenna F1040 a, the DRx controller F1002 can control the inputmultiplexer to route the signal received at the single antenna F1040 ato all of the paths (or all of the active paths as indicated by a bandselect signal).

Thus, in response to an antenna configuration signal indicating thatthat the diversity receiver configuration includes a single antenna, theDRx controller F1002 can be configured to control the input multiplexerto route an RF signal received at a single input multiplexer input toall of the plurality of input multiplexer outputs or to all of theplurality of input multiplexer outputs associated with the one or morefrequency bands of the RF signal.

In some implementations, when the antenna configuration signal indicatesthat the diversity receiver configuration F1000 includes a first antennaF1040 a that supports low frequency bands and a second antenna F1040 bthat supports mid frequency bands and high frequency bands, the DRxcontroller F1002 can control the input multiplexer F1011 to route thesignal received at the first antenna F1040 a to the first path(including the first amplifier F314 a) and to route the signal receivedat the second antenna F1040 b to the second path (including the secondamplifier F314 b), the third path (including the third amplifier F314c), and the fourth path (including the fourth amplifier F314 d), or atleast those of the paths that are active as indicated by a band selectsignal.

In some implementations, when the antenna configuration signal indicatesthat the diversity receiver configuration F1000 includes a first antennaF1040 a that supports low frequency bands and lower mid frequency bandsand a second antenna F1040 b that supports higher mid frequency bandsand high frequency bands, the DRx controller F1002 can control the inputmultiplexer F1011 to route the signal received at the first antennaF1040 a to the first path and the second path and to route the signalreceived at the second antenna F1040 b to the third path and the fourthpath, or at least those of the paths that are active as indicated by aband select signal.

In some implementations, when the antenna configuration signal indicatesthat the diversity receiver configuration F1000 includes a first antennaF1040 a that supports low frequency bands and mid frequency bands and asecond antenna F1040 b that supports high frequency bands, the DRxcontroller F1002 can control the input multiplexer F1011 to route thesignal received at the first antenna F1040 a to the first path, thesecond path, and the third path, and to route the signal received at thesecond antenna F1040 b to the fourth path, or at least those of thepaths that are active as indicated by a band select signal.

Thus, the signal propagating along a particular path (e.g., the thirdpath) may be routed by the input multiplexer F1011 from different onesof the input multiplexer inputs (coupled to one of the antennas F1040a-F1040 b) depending on the diversity receiver configuration (asindicated by the antenna configuration signal).

Thus, the DRx controller F1002 can be configured to, in response to afirst antenna configuration signal, control the input multiplexer F1011to route an RF signal received at a first input multiplexer input to aninput multiplexer output and, in response to a second antennaconfiguration signal, control the input multiplexer F1011 to route an RFsignal received at a second input multiplexer input to the inputmultiplexer output.

In general, the DRx controller F1002 can be configured to control theinput multiplexer F1011 so as to route received signals, each includingone or more frequency bands, along the paths corresponding to the one ormore frequency bands. In some implementations, the input multiplexerF1011 can further act as a band splitter that outputs each of one ormore frequency bands along the paths corresponding to the one or morefrequency bands. As an example, the input multiplexer F1011 and bandpassfilters F313 a-F313 d constitute such a band splitter. In otherimplementations (as described further below), the bandpass filters F313a-F313 d and input multiplexer F1011 can be integrated in other ways toform a band splitter.

FIG. 32 shows an embodiment of an input multiplexer F1111 that may beused for dynamic routing. The input multiplexer F1111 includes aplurality of inputs F1101 a-F1101 b that may be respectively coupled toone or more antennas. The input multiplexer F1111 includes a pluralityof outputs F1102 a-F1102 d that may be respectively coupled to theamplifiers disposed along a plurality of paths corresponding to aplurality of frequency bands (e.g., via bandpass filters). Each of theinputs F1101 a-F1101 b is coupled, via one of a set ofsingle-pole/single-throw (SPST) switches F1130, to each of the outputsF1102 a-F1102 d. The switches F1130 are controllable via a control busF1103 that may be coupled to a DRx controller.

FIG. 33 shows another embodiment of an input multiplexer F1211 that maybe used for dynamic routing. The input multiplexer F1211 includes aplurality of inputs F1201 a-F1201 b that may be respectively coupled toone or more antennas. The input multiplexer F1211 includes a pluralityof outputs F1202 a-F1202 d that may be respectively coupled to theamplifiers disposed along a plurality of paths corresponding to aplurality of frequency bands (e.g., via bandpass filters). The firstinput F1201 a is coupled to the first output F1202 a, a firstmultiple-pole/single-throw (MPST) switch F1230 a, and a second MPSTswitch F1230 b. The second input F1201 b is coupled to the first MPSTswitch F1230 a, the second MPST swtich F1230 b, and the fourth outputF1202 d. The switches F1230 a-F1230 b are controllable via a control busF1203 that may be coupled to a DRx controller.

Unlike the input multiplexer F1111 of FIG. 32, the output multiplexerF1211 of FIG. 33 does not allow each input F1201 a-F1201 b to be routedto any of the outputs F1202 a-F1202 d. Rather, the first input F1201 ais fixedly routed to the first output F1202 a and the second input F1201b is fixedly routed to the fourth output F1202 d. Such an implementationmay reduce the size of the control bus F903 or simplify the controllogic of the DRx controller attached to the control bus F903.Nevertheless, based on the antenna configuration signal, the DRxcontroller can control the switches F1230 a-F1230 b to route the signalfrom either of the inputs F1201 a-F1201 b to the second output F1202 band/or the third output F1202 c.

Both the input multiplexer F1111 of FIG. 32 and the input multiplexerF1211 of FIG. 33 operate as multi-pole/multi-throw (MPMT) switches. Insome implementations, the input multiplexers F1111, F1211 includefilters or match components to reduce insertion loss. Such filters ormatch components can be co-designed with other components of a DRxmodule (e.g., bandpass filters F313 a-F313 d of FIG. 31). For example,the input multiplexer and bandpass filters can be integrated as a singlepart to reduce the number of total components. As another example, theinput multiplexer can be designed for a particular output impedance(e.g., one that is not 50 Ohms) and the bandpass filters can be designedto match this impedance.

FIG. 34-39 show various implementations of a DRx module with dynamicinput routing and/or output routing. FIG. 34 shows that, in someembodiments, a DRx module F1310 can include a single input and twooutputs. The DRx module F1310 includes, as a band splitter, a high-lowdiplexer F1311 that splits an input signal into low frequency bands andmid and high frequency bands, a two-pole/eight-throw switch F1312(implemented as a first single-pole/three-throw switch and a secondsingle-pole/five-throw switch), and various filters and band-splitdiplexers. As described herein, the high-low diplexer F1311 and thevarious filters and band-split diplexers can be co-designed.

FIG. 35 shows that, in some embodiments, a DRx module F1320 can includea single input and a single output. The DRx module F1320 includes, as aband splitter, a high-low diplexer F1321 that splits an input signalinto low frequency bands and mid and high frequency bands, atwo-pole/eight-throw switch F1322 (implemented as a firstsingle-pole/three-throw switch and a second single-pole/five-throwswitch), and various filters and band-split diplexers. As describedherein, the high-low diplexer F1321 and the various filters andband-split diplexers can be co-designed. The DRx module F1320 includes,as an output multiplexer, a high-low combiner F1323 that filters andcombines the signals received at two inputs and outputs the combinedsignal.

FIG. 36 shows that, in some embodiments, a DRx module F1330 can includetwo inputs and three outputs. The DRx module F1330 includes, as a bandsplitter, a high-low diplexer F1331 that splits an input signal into lowfrequency bands and mid and high frequency bands, athree-pole/eight-throw switch F1332 (implemented as a firstsingle-pole/three-throw switch and a second single-pole/two-throw switchand a third single-pole/three-throw switch), and various filters andband-split diplexers. As described herein, the high-low diplexer F1331and the various filters and band-split diplexers can be co-designed.

FIG. 37 shows that, in some embodiments, a DRx module F1340 can includetwo inputs and two outputs. The DRx module F1340 includes, as a bandsplitter, a high-low diplexer F1341 that splits an input signal into lowfrequency bands and mid and high frequency bands, athree-pole/eight-throw switch F1342 (implemented as a firstsingle-pole/three-throw switch and a second single-pole/two-throw switchand a third single-pole/three-throw switch), and various filters andband-split diplexers. As described herein, the high-low diplexer F1341and the various filters and band-split diplexers can be co-designed. TheDRx module F1340 includes, as part of an output multiplexer, a high-lowcombiner F1343 that filters and combines the signals received at twoinputs and outputs the combined signal.

FIG. 38 shows that, in some embodiments, a DRx module F1350 can includea multi-pole/multi-throw switch F1352. The DRx module F1340 includes, asa band splitter, a high-low diplexer F1351 that splits an input signalinto low frequency bands and mid and high frequency bands, athree-pole/eight-throw switch F1352, and various filters and band-splitdiplexers. As described herein, the high-low diplexer F1341 and thevarious filters and band-split diplexers can be co-designed. Thethree-pole/eight-throw switch F1352 is implemented as a firstsingle-pole/three-throw switch and a second two-pole/five-throw switchfor routing a signal received on the first pole to one of the fivethrows and for routing a signal received on the second pole to one ofthree of the throws.

FIG. 39 shows that, in some embodiments, a DRx module F1360 can includean input selector F1361 and a multi-pole/multi-throw switch F1362. TheDRx module F1360 includes, as a band splitter, an input selector F1361(which operates as a two-pole/four-throw switch and may be implementedas shown in FIG. 32 and FIG. 33), a four-pole/ten-throw switch F1362,and various filters, matching components, and band-split diplexers. Asdescribed herein, the input selector F1361, switch F1362 and the variousfilters, matching components, and band-split diplexers can beco-designed. The input selector F1361 and switch F1362, taken together,operate as a two-pole/ten-throw switch. The DRx module F1360 includes,as an output multiplexer, an output selector F1363 that can route theinputs to a selected one of the outputs (which may include combiningsignals). The output selector F1363 can be implemented using the aspectsillustrated in FIG. 29 and FIG. 30.

FIG. 40 shows an embodiment of a flowchart representation of a method ofprocessing an RF signal. In some implementations (and as detailed belowas an example), the method F1400 is performed by a controller, such asthe DRx controller F702 of FIG. 28 or the communications controller 120of FIG. 3. In some implementations, the method F1400 is performed byprocessing logic, including hardware, firmware, software, or acombination thereof. In some implementations, the method F1400 isperformed by a processor executing code stored in a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium (e.g., a memory). Briefly, the method F1400includes receiving a band select signal and routing a received RF signalalong one or more paths to selected outputs to process the received RFsignal.

The method F1400 begins, at block F1410, with the controller receiving aband select signal. The controller may receive the band select signalfrom another controller or may receive the band select signal from acellular base station or other external source. The band select signalmay indicate one or more frequency bands over which a wireless device isto transmit and receive RF signals. In some implementations, the bandselect signal indicates a set of frequency bands for carrier aggregationcommunication.

At block F1420, the controller determines an output terminal for eachfrequency band indicated by the band select signal. In someimplementations, the band select signal indicates a single frequencyband and the controller determines a default output terminal for thesingle frequency band. In some implementations, the band select signalindicates two frequency bands and the controller determines a differentoutput terminal for each of the two frequency bands. In someimplementations, the band select signal indicates more frequency bandsthan there are usable output terminals and the controller determines tocombine two or more of the frequency bands (and, thus, determines thesame output terminal for two or more frequency bands). The controllercan determine to combine the closest frequency bands or those furthestapart.

At block F1430, the controller controls an output multiplexer to route asignal for each frequency band to the determined output terminal. Thecontroller can control the output multiplexer by opening or closing oneor more SPST switches, determining a state of one or more SPMT switches,by sending an output multiplexer control signal, or by other mechanisms.

Among others, the foregoing Example F related to flexible band routingcan be summarized as follows.

In accordance with some implementations, the present disclosure relatesto a receiving system including a plurality of amplifiers. Each one ofthe plurality of amplifiers is disposed along a corresponding one of aplurality of paths between an input of the receiving system and anoutput of the receiving system and configured to amplify aradio-frequency (RF) signal received at the amplifier. The receivingsystem further includes an input multiplexer configured to receive oneor more RF signals at one or more input multiplexer inputs and to outputeach of the one or more RF signals to one or more of a plurality ofinput multiplexer outputs to propagate along a respective one or more ofthe plurality of paths. The receiving system further includes an outputmultiplexer configured to receive one or more amplified RF signalspropagating along the respective one or more of the plurality of pathsat one or more respective output multiplexer inputs and to output eachof the one or more amplified RF signals to a selected one of a pluralityof output multiplexer outputs. The receiving system further includes acontroller configured to receive a band select signal and, based on theband select signal, control the input multiplexer and the outputmultiplexer.

In some embodiments, in response to a band select signal indicating thatthe one or more RF signals includes a single frequency band, thecontroller can be configured to control the output multiplexer to routean amplified RF signal received at an output multiplexer inputcorresponding to the single frequency band to a default outputmultiplexer output. In some embodiments, the default output multiplexeroutput is different for different single frequency bands.

In some embodiments, in response to a band select signal indicating thatthe one or more RF signals includes a first frequency band and a secondfrequency band, the controller can be configured to control the outputmultiplexer to route an amplified RF signal received at an outputmultiplexer input corresponding to the first frequency band to a firstoutput multiplexer output and to route an amplified RF signal receivedat an output multiplexer input corresponding to the second frequencyband to a second output multiplexer output. In some embodiments, boththe first frequency band and the second frequency band can be highfrequency bands or low frequency bands.

In some embodiments, in response to a band select signal indicating thatthe one or more RF signals includes a first frequency band, a secondfrequency band, and a third frequency band, the controller can beconfigured to control the output multiplexer to combine an amplified RFsignal received at an output multiplexer input corresponding to thefirst frequency band and an amplified RF signal received at an outputmultiplexer input corresponding to the second frequency band to generatea combined signal, to route the combined signal to a first outputmultiplexer output, and to route an amplified RF signal received at anoutput multiplexer input corresponding to the third frequency band to asecond output multiplexer output. In some embodiments, the firstfrequency band and second frequency band can be those of the firstfrequency band, second frequency band, and third frequency band that areclosest together. In some embodiments, the first frequency band andsecond frequency band can be those of the first frequency band, secondfrequency band, and third frequency band that are furthest apart.

In some embodiments, in response to a band select signal indicating thatthe one or more RF signals includes multiple frequency bands and inresponse to a controller signal indicating that a transmission line isunusable, the controller can be configured to control the outputmultiplexer to combine multiple amplified RF signals received atmultiple output multiplexer input corresponding to the multiplefrequency bands to generate a combined signal and to route the combinedsignal to a output multiplexer output.

In some embodiments, the controller can be configured to, in response toa first band select signal, control the output multiplexer to route anamplified RF signal received at an output multiplexer input to a firstoutput multiplexer output and, in response to a second band selectsignal, control the output multiplexer to route an amplified RF signalreceived at the output multiplexer input to a second output multiplexeroutput.

In some embodiments, the output multiplexer can include a first combinercoupled to a first output multiplexer output and a second combinercoupled to a second output multiplexer output. In some embodiments, anoutput multiplexer input can be coupled to the first combiner and thesecond combiner via one or more switches. In some embodiments, thecontroller can control the output multiplexer by controlling the one ormore switches. In some embodiments, the one or more switches can includetwo single-pole/single-throw (SPST) switches. In some embodiments, theone or more switches can include a single single-pole/multiple-throw(SPMT) switch. In some embodiments, the receiving system furtherincludes a plurality of transmission lines respectively coupled to theplurality of output multiplexer outputs.

In some implementations, the present disclosure relates to aradio-frequency (RF) module that includes a packaging substrateconfigured to receive a plurality of components. The RF module furtherincludes a receiving system implemented on the packaging substrate. Thereceiving system includes a plurality of amplifiers. Each one of theplurality of amplifiers is disposed along a corresponding one of aplurality of paths between an input of the receiving system and anoutput of the receiving system and configured to amplify aradio-frequency (RF) signal received at the amplifier. The receivingsystem includes an input multiplexer configured to receive one or moreRF signals at one or more input multiplexer inputs and to output each ofthe one or more RF signals to a selected one or more of a plurality ofinput multiplexer outputs to propagate along a respective one or more ofthe plurality of paths. The receiving system includes an outputmultiplexer configured to receive one or more amplified RF signalspropagating along the respective one or more of the plurality of pathsat one or more respective output multiplexer inputs and to output eachof the one or more amplified RF signals to a selected one of a pluralityof output multiplexer outputs. The receiving system includes acontroller configured to receive a band select signal and, based on theband select signal, control the input multiplexer and the outputmultiplexer.

In some embodiments, the RF module can be a diversity receiver front-endmodule (FEM).

According to some teachings, the present disclosure relates to awireless device that includes a first antenna configured to receive afirst radio-frequency (RF) signal. The wireless device further includesa first front-end module (FEM) in communication with the first antenna.The first FEM including a packaging substrate configured to receive aplurality of components. The first FEM further includes a receivingsystem implemented on the packaging substrate. The receiving systemincludes a plurality of amplifiers. Each one of the plurality ofamplifiers is disposed along a corresponding one of a plurality of pathsbetween an input of the receiving system and an output of the receivingsystem and configured to amplify a radio-frequency (RF) signal receivedat the amplifier. The receiving system includes an input multiplexerconfigured to receive one or more RF signals at one or more inputmultiplexer inputs and to output each of the one or more RF signals to aselected one or more of a plurality of input multiplexer outputs topropagate along a respective one or more of the plurality of paths. Thereceiving system includes an output multiplexer configured to receiveone or more amplified RF signals propagating along the respective one ormore of the plurality of paths at one or more respective outputmultiplexer inputs and to output each of the one or more amplified RFsignals to a selected one of a plurality of output multiplexer outputs.The receiving system includes a controller configured to receive a bandselect signal and, based on the band select signal, control the inputmultiplexer and the output multiplexer. The wireless device furtherincludes a communications module configured to receive a processedversion of the first RF signal from the output via a plurality oftransmission lines respectively coupled to the plurality of outputmultiplexer outputs and to generate data bits based on the processedversion of the first RF signal.

In some embodiments, the wireless device further includes a secondantenna configured to receive a second radio-frequency (RF) signal and asecond FEM in communication with the second antenna. The communicationsmodule can be configured to receive a processed version of the second RFsignal from an output of the second FEM and generate the data bits basedon the processed version of the second RF signal.

Examples of Combinations of Features

FIGS. 41A and 41B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein and one or more features of Example B as described herein.Additional details related to Example A are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 6-10 and 98-100.Additional details related to Example B are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 11-14, 17-19 and98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIGS. 42A and 42B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein and one or more features of Example C as described herein.Additional details related to Example A are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 6-10 and 98-100.Additional details related to Example C are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 15, 16, 17-19 and98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIGS. 43A and 43B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein and one or more features of Example D as described herein.Additional details related to Example A are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 6-10 and 98-100.Additional details related to Example D are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 20-23 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIGS. 44A and 44B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example B as describedherein and one or more features of Example C as described herein.Additional details related to Example B are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 11-14, 17-19 and98-100. Additional details related to Example C are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 15, 16, 17-19 and98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIGS. 45A and 45B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example B as describedherein and one or more features of Example D as described herein.Additional details related to Example B are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 11-14, 17-19 and98-100. Additional details related to Example D are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 20-23 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIGS. 46A and 46B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example C as describedherein and one or more features of Example D as described herein.Additional details related to Example C are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 15, 16, 17-19 and98-100. Additional details related to Example D are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 20-23 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIGS. 47A and 47B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example B as described herein, and oneor more features of Example C as described herein. Additional detailsrelated to Example A are described herein in reference to variousfigures, including FIGS. 1-5, 6-10 and 98-100. Additional detailsrelated to Example B are described herein in reference to variousfigures, including FIGS. 1-5, 11-14, 17-19 and 98-100. Additionaldetails related to Example C are described herein in reference tovarious figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 15, 16, 17-19 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIGS. 48A and 48B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example B as described herein, and oneor more features of Example D as described herein. Additional detailsrelated to Example A are described herein in reference to variousfigures, including FIGS. 1-5, 6-10 and 98-100. Additional detailsrelated to Example B are described herein in reference to variousfigures, including FIGS. 1-5, 11-14, 17-19 and 98-100. Additionaldetails related to Example D are described herein in reference tovarious figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 20-23 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIGS. 49A and 49B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example C as described herein, and oneor more features of Example D as described herein. Additional detailsrelated to Example A are described herein in reference to variousfigures, including FIGS. 1-5, 6-10 and 98-100. Additional detailsrelated to Example C are described herein in reference to variousfigures, including FIGS. 1-5, 15, 16, 17-19 and 98-100. Additionaldetails related to Example D are described herein in reference tovarious figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 20-23 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIGS. 50A and 50B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example B as describedherein, one or more features of Example C as described herein, and oneor more features of Example D as described herein. Additional detailsrelated to Example B are described herein in reference to variousfigures, including FIGS. 1-5, 11-14, 17-19 and 98-100. Additionaldetails related to Example C are described herein in reference tovarious figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 15, 16, 17-19 and 98-100.Additional details related to Example D are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 20-23 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIGS. 51A and 51B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example B as described herein, one ormore features of Example C as described herein, and one or more featuresof Example D as described herein. Additional details related to ExampleA are described herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS.1-5, 6-10 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example B aredescribed herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5,11-14, 17-19 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example C aredescribed herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5,15, 16, 17-19 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example D aredescribed herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5,20-23 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIGS. 52A and 52B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example B as described herein, and oneor more features of Example E as described herein. Additional detailsrelated to Example A are described herein in reference to variousfigures, including FIGS. 1-5, 6-10 and 98-100. Additional detailsrelated to Example B are described herein in reference to variousfigures, including FIGS. 1-5, 11-14, 17-19 and 98-100. Additionaldetails related to Example E are described herein in reference tovarious figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 24-26 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIGS. 53A and 53B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example C as described herein, and oneor more features of Example E as described herein. Additional detailsrelated to Example A are described herein in reference to variousfigures, including FIGS. 1-5, 6-10 and 98-100. Additional detailsrelated to Example C are described herein in reference to variousfigures, including FIGS. 1-5, 15, 16, 17-19 and 98-100. Additionaldetails related to Example E are described herein in reference tovarious figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 24-26 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIGS. 54A and 54B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example D as described herein, and oneor more features of Example E as described herein. Additional detailsrelated to Example A are described herein in reference to variousfigures, including FIGS. 1-5, 6-10 and 98-100. Additional detailsrelated to Example D are described herein in reference to variousfigures, including FIGS. 1-5, 20-23 and 98-100. Additional detailsrelated to Example E are described herein in reference to variousfigures, including FIGS. 1-5, 24-26 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIGS. 55A and 55B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example B as describedherein, one or more features of Example C as described herein, and oneor more features of Example E as described herein. Additional detailsrelated to Example B are described herein in reference to variousfigures, including FIGS. 1-5, 11-14, 17-19 and 98-100. Additionaldetails related to Example C are described herein in reference tovarious figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 15, 16, 17-19 and 98-100.Additional details related to Example E are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 24-26 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIGS. 56A and 56B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example B as describedherein, one or more features of Example D as described herein, and oneor more features of Example E as described herein. Additional detailsrelated to Example B are described herein in reference to variousfigures, including FIGS. 1-5, 11-14, 17-19 and 98-100. Additionaldetails related to Example D are described herein in reference tovarious figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 20-23 and 98-100. Additionaldetails related to Example E are described herein in reference tovarious figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 24-26 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIGS. 57A and 57B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example C as describedherein, one or more features of Example D as described herein, and oneor more features of Example E as described herein. Additional detailsrelated to Example C are described herein in reference to variousfigures, including FIGS. 1-5, 15, 16, 17-19 and 98-100. Additionaldetails related to Example D are described herein in reference tovarious figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 20-23 and 98-100. Additionaldetails related to Example E are described herein in reference tovarious figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 24-26 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIGS. 58A and 58B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example B as described herein, one ormore features of Example C as described herein, and one or more featuresof Example E as described herein. Additional details related to ExampleA are described herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS.1-5, 6-10 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example B aredescribed herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5,11-14, 17-19 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example C aredescribed herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5,15, 16, 17-19 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example E aredescribed herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5,24-26 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIGS. 59A and 59B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example B as described herein, one ormore features of Example D as described herein, and one or more featuresof Example E as described herein. Additional details related to ExampleA are described herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS.1-5, 6-10 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example B aredescribed herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5,11-14, 17-19 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example D aredescribed herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5,20-23 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example E are describedherein in reference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 24-26 and98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIGS. 60A and 60B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example C as described herein, one ormore features of Example D as described herein, and one or more featuresof Example E as described herein. Additional details related to ExampleA are described herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS.1-5, 6-10 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example C aredescribed herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5,15, 16, 17-19 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example D aredescribed herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5,20-23 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example E are describedherein in reference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 24-26 and98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIGS. 61A and 61B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example B as describedherein, one or more features of Example C as described herein, one ormore features of Example D as described herein, and one or more featuresof Example E as described herein. Additional details related to ExampleB are described herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS.1-5, 11-14, 17-19 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example Care described herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS.1-5, 15, 16, 17-19 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example Dare described herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS.1-5, 20-23 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example E aredescribed herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5,24-26 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIGS. 62A and 62B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example B as described herein, one ormore features of Example C as described herein, one or more features ofExample D as described herein, and one or more features of Example E asdescribed herein. Additional details related to Example A are describedherein in reference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 6-10 and98-100. Additional details related to Example B are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 11-14, 17-19 and98-100. Additional details related to Example C are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 15, 16, 17-19 and98-100. Additional details related to Example D are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 20-23 and 98-100.Additional details related to Example E are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 24-26 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIG. 63 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example B as described herein, and oneor more features of Example F as described herein. Additional detailsrelated to Example A are described herein in reference to variousfigures, including FIGS. 1-5, 6-10 and 98-100. Additional detailsrelated to Example B are described herein in reference to variousfigures, including FIGS. 1-5, 11-14, 17-19 and 98-100. Additionaldetails related to Example F are described herein in reference tovarious figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 27-40 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIG. 64 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example C as described herein, and oneor more features of Example F as described herein. Additional detailsrelated to Example A are described herein in reference to variousfigures, including FIGS. 1-5, 6-10 and 98-100. Additional detailsrelated to Example C are described herein in reference to variousfigures, including FIGS. 1-5, 15, 16, 17-19 and 98-100. Additionaldetails related to Example F are described herein in reference tovarious figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 27-40 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIG. 65 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example D as described herein, and oneor more features of Example F as described herein. Additional detailsrelated to Example A are described herein in reference to variousfigures, including FIGS. 1-5, 6-10 and 98-100. Additional detailsrelated to Example D are described herein in reference to variousfigures, including FIGS. 1-5, 20-23 and 98-100. Additional detailsrelated to Example F are described herein in reference to variousfigures, including FIGS. 1-5, 27-40 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIG. 66 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example B as describedherein, one or more features of Example C as described herein, and oneor more features of Example F as described herein. Additional detailsrelated to Example B are described herein in reference to variousfigures, including FIGS. 1-5, 11-14, 17-19 and 98-100. Additionaldetails related to Example C are described herein in reference tovarious figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 15, 16, 17-19 and 98-100.Additional details related to Example F are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 27-40 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIG. 67 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example B as describedherein, one or more features of Example D as described herein, and oneor more features of Example F as described herein. Additional detailsrelated to Example B are described herein in reference to variousfigures, including FIGS. 1-5, 11-14, 17-19 and 98-100. Additionaldetails related to Example D are described herein in reference tovarious figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 20-23 and 98-100. Additionaldetails related to Example F are described herein in reference tovarious figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 27-40 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIG. 68 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example C as describedherein, one or more features of Example D as described herein, and oneor more features of Example F as described herein. Additional detailsrelated to Example C are described herein in reference to variousfigures, including FIGS. 1-5, 15, 16, 17-19 and 98-100. Additionaldetails related to Example D are described herein in reference tovarious figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 20-23 and 98-100. Additionaldetails related to Example F are described herein in reference tovarious figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 27-40 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIG. 69 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example B as described herein, one ormore features of Example C as described herein, and one or more featuresof Example F as described herein. Additional details related to ExampleA are described herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS.1-5, 6-10 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example B aredescribed herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5,11-14, 17-19 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example C aredescribed herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5,15, 16, 17-19 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example F aredescribed herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5,27-40 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIG. 70 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example B as described herein, one ormore features of Example D as described herein, and one or more featuresof Example F as described herein. Additional details related to ExampleA are described herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS.1-5, 6-10 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example B aredescribed herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5,11-14, 17-19 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example D aredescribed herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5,20-23 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example F are describedherein in reference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 27-40 and98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIG. 71 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example C as described herein, one ormore features of Example D as described herein, and one or more featuresof Example F as described herein. Additional details related to ExampleA are described herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS.1-5, 6-10 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example C aredescribed herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5,15, 16, 17-19 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example D aredescribed herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5,20-23 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example F are describedherein in reference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 27-40 and98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIG. 72 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example B as describedherein, one or more features of Example C as described herein, one ormore features of Example D as described herein, and one or more featuresof Example F as described herein. Additional details related to ExampleB are described herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS.1-5, 11-14, 17-19 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example Care described herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS.1-5, 15, 16, 17-19 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example Dare described herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS.1-5, 20-23 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example F aredescribed herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5,27-40 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIG. 73 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example B as described herein, one ormore features of Example C as described herein, one or more features ofExample D as described herein, and one or more features of Example F asdescribed herein. Additional details related to Example A are describedherein in reference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 6-10 and98-100. Additional details related to Example B are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 11-14, 17-19 and98-100. Additional details related to Example C are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 15, 16, 17-19 and98-100. Additional details related to Example D are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 20-23 and 98-100.Additional details related to Example F are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 27-40 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIG. 74 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example B as described herein, one ormore features of Example E as described herein, and one or more featuresof Example F as described herein. Additional details related to ExampleA are described herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS.1-5, 6-10 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example B aredescribed herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5,11-14, 17-19 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example E aredescribed herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5,24-26 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example F are describedherein in reference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 27-40 and98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIG. 75 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example C as described herein, one ormore features of Example E as described herein, and one or more featuresof Example F as described herein. Additional details related to ExampleA are described herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS.1-5, 6-10 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example C aredescribed herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5,15, 16, 17-19 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example E aredescribed herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5,24-26 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example F are describedherein in reference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 27-40 and98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIG. 76 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example D as described herein, one ormore features of Example E as described herein, and one or more featuresof Example F as described herein. Additional details related to ExampleA are described herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS.1-5, 6-10 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example D aredescribed herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5,20-23 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example E are describedherein in reference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 24-26 and98-100. Additional details related to Example F are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 27-40 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIG. 77 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example B as describedherein, one or more features of Example C as described herein, one ormore features of Example E as described herein, and one or more featuresof Example F as described herein. Additional details related to ExampleB are described herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS.1-5, 11-14, 17-19 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example Care described herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS.1-5, 15, 16, 17-19 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example Eare described herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS.1-5, 24-26 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example F aredescribed herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5,27-40 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIG. 78 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example B as describedherein, one or more features of Example D as described herein, one ormore features of Example E as described herein, and one or more featuresof Example F as described herein. Additional details related to ExampleB are described herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS.1-5, 11-14, 17-19 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example Dare described herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS.1-5, 20-23 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example E aredescribed herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5,24-26 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example F are describedherein in reference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 27-40 and98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIG. 79 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example C as describedherein, one or more features of Example D as described herein, one ormore features of Example E as described herein, and one or more featuresof Example F as described herein. Additional details related to ExampleC are described herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS.1-5, 15, 16, 17-19 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example Dare described herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS.1-5, 20-23 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example E aredescribed herein in reference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5,24-26 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example F are describedherein in reference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 27-40 and98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIG. 80 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example B as described herein, one ormore features of Example C as described herein, one or more features ofExample E as described herein, and one or more features of Example F asdescribed herein. Additional details related to Example A are describedherein in reference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 6-10 and98-100. Additional details related to Example B are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 11-14, 17-19 and98-100. Additional details related to Example C are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 15, 16, 17-19 and98-100. Additional details related to Example E are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 24-26 and 98-100.Additional details related to Example F are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 27-40 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIG. 81 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example B as described herein, one ormore features of Example D as described herein, one or more features ofExample E as described herein, and one or more features of Example F asdescribed herein. Additional details related to Example A are describedherein in reference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 6-10 and98-100. Additional details related to Example B are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 11-14, 17-19 and98-100. Additional details related to Example D are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 20-23 and 98-100.Additional details related to Example E are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 24-26 and 98-100.Additional details related to Example F are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 27-40 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIG. 82 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example C as described herein, one ormore features of Example D as described herein, one or more features ofExample E as described herein, and one or more features of Example F asdescribed herein. Additional details related to Example A are describedherein in reference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 6-10 and98-100. Additional details related to Example C are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 15, 16, 17-19 and98-100. Additional details related to Example D are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 20-23 and 98-100.Additional details related to Example E are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 24-26 and 98-100.Additional details related to Example F are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 27-40 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIG. 83 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example B as describedherein, one or more features of Example C as described herein, one ormore features of Example D as described herein, one or more features ofExample E as described herein, and one or more features of Example F asdescribed herein. Additional details related to Example B are describedherein in reference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 11-14,17-19 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example C are describedherein in reference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 15, 16,17-19 and 98-100. Additional details related to Example D are describedherein in reference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 20-23 and98-100. Additional details related to Example E are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 24-26 and 98-100.Additional details related to Example F are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 27-40 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIG. 84 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example B as described herein, one ormore features of Example C as described herein, one or more features ofExample D as described herein, one or more features of Example E asdescribed herein, and one or more features of Example F as describedherein. Additional details related to Example A are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 6-10 and 98-100.Additional details related to Example B are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 11-14, 17-19 and98-100. Additional details related to Example C are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 15, 16, 17-19 and98-100. Additional details related to Example D are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 20-23 and 98-100.Additional details related to Example E are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 24-26 and 98-100.Additional details related to Example F are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 27-40 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIGS. 85A and 85B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein and one or more features of Example E as described herein.Additional details related to Example A are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 6-10 and 98-100.Additional details related to Example E are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 24-26 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIGS. 86A and 86B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example B as describedherein and one or more features of Example E as described herein.Additional details related to Example B are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 11-14, 17-19 and98-100. Additional details related to Example E are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 24-26 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIGS. 87A and 87B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example C as describedherein and one or more features of Example E as described herein.Additional details related to Example C are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 15, 16, 17-19 and98-100. Additional details related to Example E are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 24-26 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIGS. 88A and 88B show that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example D as describedherein and one or more features of Example E as described herein.Additional details related to Example D are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 20-23 and 98-100.Additional details related to Example E are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 24-26 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIG. 89 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein and one or more features of Example F as described herein.Additional details related to Example A are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 6-10 and 98-100.Additional details related to Example F are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 27-40 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIG. 90 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example B as describedherein and one or more features of Example F as described herein.Additional details related to Example B are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 11-14, 17-19 and98-100. Additional details related to Example F are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 27-40 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIG. 91 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example C as describedherein and one or more features of Example F as described herein.Additional details related to Example C are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 15, 16, 17-19 and98-100. Additional details related to Example F are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 27-40 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIG. 92 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example D as describedherein and one or more features of Example F as described herein.Additional details related to Example D are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 20-23 and 98-100.Additional details related to Example F are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 27-40 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIG. 93 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example E as describedherein and one or more features of Example F as described herein.Additional details related to Example E are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 24-26 and 98-100.Additional details related to Example F are described herein inreference to various figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 27-40 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIG. 94 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example A as describedherein, one or more features of Example E as described herein, and oneor more features of Example F as described herein. Additional detailsrelated to Example A are described herein in reference to variousfigures, including FIGS. 1-5, 6-10 and 98-100. Additional detailsrelated to Example E are described herein in reference to variousfigures, including FIGS. 1-5, 24-26 and 98-100. Additional detailsrelated to Example F are described herein in reference to variousfigures, including FIGS. 1-5, 27-40 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIG. 95 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example B as describedherein, one or more features of Example E as described herein, and oneor more features of Example F as described herein. Additional detailsrelated to Example B are described herein in reference to variousfigures, including FIGS. 1-5, 11-14, 17-19 and 98-100. Additionaldetails related to Example E are described herein in reference tovarious figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 24-26 and 98-100. Additionaldetails related to Example F are described herein in reference tovarious figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 27-40 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIG. 96 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example C as describedherein, one or more features of Example E as described herein, and oneor more features of Example F as described herein. Additional detailsrelated to Example C are described herein in reference to variousfigures, including FIGS. 1-5, 15, 16, 17-19 and 98-100. Additionaldetails related to Example E are described herein in reference tovarious figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 24-26 and 98-100. Additionaldetails related to Example F are described herein in reference tovarious figures, including FIGS. 1-5, 27-40 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

FIG. 97 shows that in some embodiments, a diversity receiverconfiguration may include one or more features of Example D as describedherein, one or more features of Example E as described herein, and oneor more features of Example F as described herein. Additional detailsrelated to Example D are described herein in reference to variousfigures, including FIGS. 1-5, 20-23 and 98-100. Additional detailsrelated to Example E are described herein in reference to variousfigures, including FIGS. 1-5, 24-26 and 98-100. Additional detailsrelated to Example F are described herein in reference to variousfigures, including FIGS. 1-5, 27-40 and 98-100.

In some embodiments, the foregoing combination of features can providesome or all advantages and/or functionalities associated with eachExample, all of the Examples in the combination, or any combinationthereof.

Examples of Products and Architectures

FIG. 98 shows that in some embodiments, some or all of the diversityreceiver configurations, including some or all of the diversity receiverconfigurations having combinations of features (e.g., FIGS. 41-97), canbe implemented, wholly or partially, in a module. Such a module can be,for example, a front-end module (FEM). Such a module can be, forexample, a diversity receiver (DRx) FEM.

In the example of FIG. 98, a module 1000 can include a packagingsubstrate 1002, and a number of components can be mounted on such apackaging substrate 1002. For example, a controller 1004 (which mayinclude a front-end power management integrated circuit [FE-PIMC]), acombination assembly 1006 having one or more features as describedherein, a multiplexer assembly 1010, and a filter bank 1008 (which mayinclude one or more bandpass filters) can be mounted and/or implementedon and/or within the packaging substrate 1002. Other components, such asa number of SMT devices 1012, can also be mounted on the packagingsubstrate 1002. Although all of the various components are depicted asbeing laid out on the packaging substrate 1002, it will be understoodthat some component(s) can be implemented over other component(s).

FIG. 99 shows that in some embodiments, some or all of the diversityreceiver configurations, including some or all of the diversity receiverconfigurations having combinations of features (e.g., FIGS. 41-97), canbe implemented, wholly or partially, in an architecture. Such anarchitecture may include one or more modules, and can be configured toprovide front-end functionality such as diversity receiver (DRx)front-end functionality.

In the example of FIG. 99, an architecture 1100 can include a controller1104 (which may include a front-end power management integrated circuit[FE-PIMC]), a combination assembly 1106 having one or more features asdescribed herein, a multiplexer assembly 1110, and a filter bank 1108(which may include one or more bandpass filters). Other components, suchas a number of SMT devices 1112, can also be implemented in thearchitecture 1100.

In some implementations, a device and/or a circuit having one or morefeatures described herein can be included in an RF electronic devicesuch as a wireless device. Such a device and/or a circuit can beimplemented directly in the wireless device, in a modular form asdescribed herein, or in some combination thereof. In some embodiments,such a wireless device can include, for example, a cellular phone, asmart-phone, a hand-held wireless device with or without phonefunctionality, a wireless tablet, etc.

FIG. 100 depicts an example wireless device 1400 having one or moreadvantageous features described herein. In the context of one or moremodules having one or more features as described herein, such modulescan be generally depicted by a dashed box 1401 (which can be implementedas, for example, a front-end module), a diversity RF module 1411 (whichcan be implemented as, for example, a downstream module), and adiversity receiver (DRx) module 1000 (which can be implemented as, forexample, a front-end module).

Referring to FIG. 100, power amplifiers (PAs) 1420 can receive theirrespective RF signals from a transceiver 1410 that can be configured andoperated to generate RF signals to be amplified and transmitted, and toprocess received signals. The transceiver 1410 is shown to interact witha baseband sub-system 1408 that is configured to provide conversionbetween data and/or voice signals suitable for a user and RF signalssuitable for the transceiver 1410. The transceiver 1410 can also be incommunication with a power management component 1406 that is configuredto manage power for the operation of the wireless device 1400. Suchpower management can also control operations of the baseband sub-system1408 and the modules 1401, 1411, and 1000.

The baseband sub-system 1408 is shown to be connected to a userinterface 1402 to facilitate various input and output of voice and/ordata provided to and received from the user. The baseband sub-system1408 can also be connected to a memory 1404 that is configured to storedata and/or instructions to facilitate the operation of the wirelessdevice, and/or to provide storage of information for the user.

In the example wireless device 1400, outputs of the PAs 1420 are shownto be matched (via respective match circuits 1422) and routed to theirrespective duplexers 1424. Such amplified and filtered signals can berouted to a primary antenna 1416 through an antenna switch 1414 fortransmission. In some embodiments, the duplexers 1424 can allow transmitand receive operations to be performed simultaneously using a commonantenna (e.g., primary antenna 1416). In FIG. 100, received signals areshown to be routed to “Rx” paths that can include, for example, alow-noise amplifier (LNA).

The wireless device also includes a diversity antenna 1426 and adiversity receiver module 1000 that receives signals from the diversityantenna 1426. The diversity receiver module 1000 processes the receivedsignals and transmits the processed signals via a transmission line 1435to a diversity RF module 1411 that further processes the signal beforefeeding the signal to the transceiver 1410.

In some embodiments, Example A described herein can be considered toinclude a first feature of a radio-frequency (RF) receiving system andrelated devices and methods. Similarly, Example B described herein canbe considered to include a second feature of a radio-frequency (RF)receiving system and related devices and methods. Similarly, Example Cdescribed herein can be considered to include a third feature of aradio-frequency (RF) receiving system and related devices and methods.Similarly, Example D described herein can be considered to include afourth feature of a radio-frequency (RF) receiving system and relateddevices and methods. Similarly, Example E described herein can beconsidered to include a fifth feature of a radio-frequency (RF)receiving system and related devices and methods. Similarly, Example Fdescribed herein can be considered to include a sixth feature of aradio-frequency (RF) receiving system and related devices and methods.

One or more features of the present disclosure can be implemented withvarious cellular frequency bands as described herein. Examples of suchbands are listed in Table 1. It will be understood that at least some ofthe bands can be divided into sub-bands. It will also be understood thatone or more features of the present disclosure can be implemented withfrequency ranges that do not have designations such as the examples ofTable 1.

TABLE 1 Tx Frequency Rx Frequency Band Mode Range (MHz) Range (MHz) B1FDD 1,920-1,980 2,110-2,170 B2 FDD 1,850-1,910 1,930-1,990 B3 FDD1,710-1,785 1,805-1,880 B4 FDD 1,710-1,755 2,110-2,155 B5 FDD 824-849869-894 B6 FDD 830-840 875-885 B7 FDD 2,500-2,570 2,620-2,690 B8 FDD880-915 925-960 B9 FDD 1,749.9-1,784.9 1,844.9-1,879.9 B10 FDD1,710-1,770 2,110-2,170 B11 FDD 1,427.9-1,447.9 1,475.9-1,495.9 B12 FDD699-716 729-746 B13 FDD 777-787 746-756 B14 FDD 788-798 758-768 B15 FDD1,900-1,920 2,600-2,620 B16 FDD 2,010-2,025 2,585-2,600 B17 FDD 704-716734-746 B18 FDD 815-830 860-875 B19 FDD 830-845 875-890 B20 FDD 832-862791-821 B21 FDD 1,447.9-1,462.9 1,495.9-1,510.9 B22 FDD 3,410-3,4903,510-3,590 B23 FDD 2,000-2,020 2,180-2,200 B24 FDD 1,626.5-1,660.51,525-1,559 B25 FDD 1,850-1,915 1,930-1,995 B26 FDD 814-849 859-894 B27FDD 807-824 852-869 B28 FDD 703-748 758-803 B29 FDD N/A 716-728 B30 FDD2,305-2,315 2,350-2,360 B31 FDD 452.5-457.5 462.5-467.5 B33 TDD1,900-1,920 1,900-1,920 B34 TDD 2,010-2,025 2,010-2,025 B35 TDD1,850-1,910 1,850-1,910 B36 TDD 1,930-1,990 1,930-1,990 B37 TDD1,910-1,930 1,910-1,930 B38 TDD 2,570-2,620 2,570-2,620 B39 TDD1,880-1,920 1,880-1,920 B40 TDD 2,300-2,400 2,300-2,400 B41 TDD2,496-2,690 2,496-2,690 B42 TDD 3,400-3,600 3,400-3,600 B43 TDD3,600-3,800 3,600-3,800 B44 TDD 703-803 703-803

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to.” The word “coupled”, as generally usedherein, refers to two or more elements that may be either directlyconnected, or connected by way of one or more intermediate elements.Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similarimport, when used in this application, shall refer to this applicationas a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Wherethe context permits, words in the above Description using the singularor plural number may also include the plural or singular numberrespectively. The word “or” in reference to a list of two or more items,that word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: anyof the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and anycombination of the items in the list.

The above detailed description of embodiments of the invention is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formdisclosed above. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, theinvention are described above for illustrative purposes, variousequivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention,as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, whileprocesses or blocks are presented in a given order, alternativeembodiments may perform routines having steps, or employ systems havingblocks, in a different order, and some processes or blocks may bedeleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified. Each ofthese processes or blocks may be implemented in a variety of differentways. Also, while processes or blocks are at times shown as beingperformed in series, these processes or blocks may instead be performedin parallel, or may be performed at different times.

The teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to othersystems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements andacts of the various embodiments described above can be combined toprovide further embodiments.

While some embodiments of the inventions have been described, theseembodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are notintended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the novel methodsand systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of otherforms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in theform of the methods and systems described herein may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit of the disclosure. The accompanying claims andtheir equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications aswould fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A receiving system comprising: a controllerconfigured to selectively activate one or more of a plurality of pathsbetween an input of the receiving system and an output of the receivingsystem; a plurality of amplifiers, each one of the plurality ofamplifiers disposed along a corresponding one of the plurality of pathsand configured to amplify a signal received at the amplifier; and two ormore of a first feature, a second feature, a third feature, a fourthfeature, a fifth feature, and a sixth feature, implemented for thereceiving system, the first feature including a plurality of bandpassfilters, each one of the plurality of bandpass filters disposed along acorresponding one of the plurality of paths and configured to filter asignal received at the bandpass filter to a respective frequency band,and at least some of the plurality of amplifiers implemented as aplurality of variable-gain amplifiers, each one of the plurality ofvariable-gain amplifiers configured to amplify the corresponding signalwith a gain controlled by an amplifier control signal received from thecontroller; the second feature including a plurality of phase-shiftcomponents, each one of the plurality of phase-shift components disposedalong a corresponding one of the plurality of paths and configured tophase-shift a signal passing through the phase-shift component; thethird feature including a plurality of impedance matching components,each one of the plurality of impedance matching components disposedalong a corresponding one of the plurality of paths and configured toreduce at least one of an out-of-band noise figure or an out-of-bandgain of the one of the plurality of paths; the fourth feature includinga plurality of post-amplifier bandpass filters, each one of theplurality of post-amplifier bandpass filters disposed along acorresponding one of the plurality of paths at an output of acorresponding one of the plurality of amplifiers and configured tofilter a signal to a respective frequency band; the fifth featureincluding a switching network having one or moresingle-pole/single-throw switches, each one of the switches coupling twoof the plurality of paths, the switching network configured to becontrolled by the controller based on a band select signal; the sixthfeature including an input multiplexer configured to receive one or moresignals at one or more input multiplexer inputs and to output each ofthe one or more signals to one or more of a plurality of inputmultiplexer outputs to propagate along a respective one or more of theplurality of paths, and an output multiplexer configured to receive oneor more amplified signals propagating along the respective one or moreof the plurality of paths at one or more respective output multiplexerinputs and to output each of the one or more amplified signals to aselected one of a plurality of output multiplexer outputs.
 2. Thereceiving system of claim 1 wherein the receiving system includes thefirst feature and the second feature.
 3. The receiving system of claim 1wherein the receiving system includes the first feature and the thirdfeature.
 4. The receiving system of claim 1 wherein the receiving systemincludes the first feature and the fourth feature.
 5. The receivingsystem of claim 1 wherein the receiving system includes the secondfeature and the third feature.
 6. The receiving system of claim 1wherein the receiving system includes the second feature and the fourthfeature.
 7. The receiving system of claim 1 wherein the receiving systemincludes the third feature and the fourth feature.
 8. The receivingsystem of claim 1 wherein the receiving system includes the firstfeature and the fifth feature.
 9. The receiving system of claim 1wherein the receiving system includes the second feature and the fifthfeature.
 10. The receiving system of claim 1 wherein the receivingsystem includes the third feature and the fifth feature.
 11. Thereceiving system of claim 1 wherein the receiving system includes thefourth feature and the fifth feature.
 12. The receiving system of claim1 wherein the receiving system includes the first feature and the sixthfeature.
 13. The receiving system of claim 1 wherein the receivingsystem includes the second feature and the sixth feature.
 14. Thereceiving system of claim 1 wherein the receiving system includes thethird feature and the sixth feature.
 15. The receiving system of claim 1wherein the receiving system includes the fourth feature and the sixthfeature.
 16. The receiving system of claim 1 wherein the receivingsystem includes the fifth feature and the sixth feature.
 17. Aradio-frequency module comprising: a packaging substrate configured toreceive a plurality of components; and a receiving system implemented onthe packaging substrate, the receiving system including a controllerconfigured to selectively activate one or more of a plurality of pathsbetween an input of the receiving system and an output of the receivingsystem, the receiving system further including a plurality ofamplifiers, each one of the plurality of amplifiers disposed along acorresponding one of the plurality of paths and configured to amplify asignal received at the amplifier, the receiving system further includingtwo or more of a first feature, a second feature, a third feature, afourth feature, a fifth feature, and a sixth feature, implemented forthe receiving system, the first feature including a plurality ofbandpass filters, each one of the plurality of bandpass filters disposedalong a corresponding one of the plurality of paths and configured tofilter a signal received at the bandpass filter to a respectivefrequency band, and at least some of the plurality of amplifiersimplemented as a plurality of variable-gain amplifiers, each one of theplurality of variable-gain amplifiers configured to amplify thecorresponding signal with a gain controlled by an amplifier controlsignal received from the controller; the second feature including aplurality of phase-shift components, each one of the plurality ofphase-shift components disposed along a corresponding one of theplurality of paths and configured to phase-shift a signal passingthrough the phase-shift component; the third feature including aplurality of impedance matching components, each one of the plurality ofimpedance matching components disposed along a corresponding one of theplurality of paths and configured to reduce at least one of anout-of-band noise figure or an out-of-band gain of the one of theplurality of paths; the fourth feature including a plurality ofpost-amplifier bandpass filters, each one of the plurality ofpost-amplifier bandpass filters disposed along a corresponding one ofthe plurality of paths at an output of a corresponding one of theplurality of amplifiers and configured to filter a signal to arespective frequency band; the fifth feature including a switchingnetwork having one or more single-pole/single-throw switches, each oneof the switches coupling two of the plurality of paths, the switchingnetwork configured to be controlled by the controller based on a bandselect signal; the sixth feature including an input multiplexerconfigured to receive one or more signals at one or more inputmultiplexer inputs and to output each of the one or more signals to oneor more of a plurality of input multiplexer outputs to propagate along arespective one or more of the plurality of paths, and an outputmultiplexer configured to receive one or more amplified signalspropagating along the respective one or more of the plurality of pathsat one or more respective output multiplexer inputs and to output eachof the one or more amplified signals to a selected one of a plurality ofoutput multiplexer outputs.
 18. The radio-frequency module of claim 17wherein the radio-frequency module is a diversity receiver front-endmodule.
 19. A wireless device comprising: an antenna; a front-end modulein communication with the antenna, and including a receiving systemimplemented on the packaging substrate, the receiving system including acontroller configured to selectively activate one or more of a pluralityof paths between an input of the receiving system and an output of thereceiving system, the receiving system further including a plurality ofamplifiers, each one of the plurality of amplifiers disposed along acorresponding one of the plurality of paths and configured to amplify asignal received at the amplifier, the receiving system further includingtwo or more of a first feature, a second feature, a third feature, afourth feature, a fifth feature, and a sixth feature, implemented forthe receiving system, the first feature including a plurality ofbandpass filters, each one of the plurality of bandpass filters disposedalong a corresponding one of the plurality of paths and configured tofilter a signal received at the bandpass filter to a respectivefrequency band, and at least some of the plurality of amplifiersimplemented as a plurality of variable-gain amplifiers, each one of theplurality of variable-gain amplifiers configured to amplify thecorresponding signal with a gain controlled by an amplifier controlsignal received from the controller; the second feature including aplurality of phase-shift components, each one of the plurality ofphase-shift components disposed along a corresponding one of theplurality of paths and configured to phase-shift a signal passingthrough the phase-shift component; the third feature including aplurality of impedance matching components, each one of the plurality ofimpedance matching components disposed along a corresponding one of theplurality of paths and configured to reduce at least one of anout-of-band noise figure or an out-of-band gain of the one of theplurality of paths; the fourth feature including a plurality ofpost-amplifier bandpass filters, each one of the plurality ofpost-amplifier bandpass filters disposed along a corresponding one ofthe plurality of paths at an output of a corresponding one of theplurality of amplifiers and configured to filter a signal to arespective frequency band; the fifth feature including a switchingnetwork having one or more single-pole/single-throw switches, each oneof the switches coupling two of the plurality of paths, the switchingnetwork configured to be controlled by the controller based on a bandselect signal; the sixth feature including an input multiplexerconfigured to receive one or more signals at one or more inputmultiplexer inputs and to output each of the one or more signals to oneor more of a plurality of input multiplexer outputs to propagate along arespective one or more of the plurality of paths, and an outputmultiplexer configured to receive one or more amplified signalspropagating along the respective one or more of the plurality of pathsat one or more respective output multiplexer inputs and to output eachof the one or more amplified signals to a selected one of a plurality ofoutput multiplexer outputs; and a transceiver configured to receive aprocessed version of the one or more signals from the receiving systemand generate data bits based on the processed version of the one or moresignals.
 20. The wireless device of claim 19 wherein the wireless deviceis a cellular phone.